Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Pesticide Concentrations Decreasing

Pesticide Concentrations Decreasing

October 21, 2008

The widespread use of pesticides across the United States has been in practice for decades, with little knowledge of the long-term effects on the nation's groundwater.

The results of a new study show that samples taken from over 300 wells across the US have not retained a high concentration of pesticide contamination. The news is a result of a decadal long study to assess the extent of the impact of contaminants on the nation's water supply.




Over the years, frequent research has detected pesticides in ground water around the country, including in aquifers used for drinking-water supply. Over the past few decades, the use of some pesticides has been restricted or banned, while new pesticides have been introduced. One goal of the study was to track the retention of various types of contaminants that would be found in the different pesticides used over the years.

Results for one of the first national studies on the presence of pesticides in groundwater were recently published by the U.S. Geological Survey in the September-October issue of the Journal of Environmental Quality. The study is a part of that agency's federally-funded National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program.

"The results of this study are encouraging for the future state of the nation's ground-water quality with respect to pesticides," said Laura Bexfield, who conducted the data analysis. "Despite sustained use of many popular pesticides and the introduction of new ones, results as a whole did not indicate increasing detection rates or concentrations in shallow or drinking-water resources over the 10 years studied."

Original samples were taken from the wells from 1993-1995, and compared with samples taken from 2001-2003. Laboratory analysis was performed using methods that allowed detection of pesticide compounds at concentrations as small as 1,000 times below USEPA drinking-water standards. Of the 80 compounds studied, only six were detected in ground water from at least 10 wells during both of those sample periods. Concentrations of these compounds generally were less than 0.12 parts per billion, or more than 10 times lower than applicable USEPA drinking-water standards.

Characterization of trends in pesticide occurrence and concentrations through time is important in determining how quickly ground-water systems respond to changes in chemical use and in identifying compounds that may pose a threat to water quality before large-scale problems occur. Continuing research is planned to track and understand changes in both ground and surface-water quality across the United States.

The NAWQA is an ongoing USGS program that provides an understanding of water-quality conditions and how those conditions may vary locally, regionally, and nationally; whether conditions are getting better or worse over time; and how natural features and human activities affect those conditions.

This article was included as part of the 316-page Journal of Environmental Quality supplement that houses two special collections of papers: the Environmental Impacts and Sustainability of Degraded Water Reuse Symposium and USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Ground-Water Trends Program.

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA)



Related Pesticides Current Events and Pesticides News Articles Pesticides Current Events and Pesticides News RSS Pesticides Current Events and Pesticides News RSS
An inexpensive 'dipstick' test for pesticides in foods
Scientists in Canada are reporting the development of a fast, inexpensive "dipstick" test to identify small amounts of pesticides that may exist in foods and beverages.

ISU researchers' findings bring hope for possible Parkinson's disease cure
Researchers at Iowa State University have found an essential key to possibly cure Parkinson's disease and are looking for others.

Glacial melting may release pollutants in the environment
Those pristine-looking Alpine glaciers now melting as global warming sets in may explain the mysterious increase in persistent organic pollutants in sediment from certain lakes since the 1990s, despite decreased use of those compounds in pesticides, electric equipment, paints and other products.

Pesticides exposure linked to suicidal thoughts
A new study in China has found that people with higher levels of pesticide exposure are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

Media source impacts ag biotech communication
Communication between the public and government is a necessary component of public trust. For many modern issues, constituents trust that their legislators understand the science behind these topics and pass legislation for the betterment of society.

Brown and beige dominate the plate: Daily dose of color needed to fill America's 'phytonutrient gap'
While it is a well-known fact that most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, a new report shows the color of fruits and veggies eaten can be as important as the quantity.

Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues
Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. The study is in the current issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.

Study shows more corn for biofuels would hurt water
More of the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow corn would find their way into nearby water sources if ethanol demands lead to planting more acres in corn, according to a Purdue University study.

New computing tool could lead to better crops and pesticides say researchers
A new computing tool that could help scientists predict how plants will react to different environmental conditions in order to create better crops, such as tastier and longer lasting tomatoes, is being developed by researchers.

ISU researchers study insecticide-free method for control of soybean aphids
Two Iowa State University researchers are examining a new method of controlling soybean aphids without the use of chemical pesticides.
More Pesticides Current Events and Pesticides News Articles
Pesticides: A Toxic Time Bomb in Our Midst

Pesticides: A Toxic Time Bomb in Our Midst
by Marvin J. Levine (Author)

Pesticide exposure has long been a cause for concern, and with good reason. Studies have shown that all persons, but especially children, pregnant women, farmers, farmworkers, and the elderly, may experience negative health effects from pesticide exposure. These effects may include acute poisoning, cancer, neurological damage, birth defects, reduced sperm count, suppressed immune systems, and reproductive and developmental harm. This book is a comprehensive examination of pesticide use, pesticide harm, and alternatives to harmful pesticides.

Levine highlights the role of farming, because a substantial majority—70 percent or more annually—of pesticides are applied in agricultural uses, thereby making their way into the food chain and into the water supply. More than 20...

Chemical Pesticides: Mode of Action and Toxicology

Chemical Pesticides: Mode of Action and Toxicology
by Jørgen Stenersen (Author)

Environmental-friendliness, issues of public health, and the pros and cons of genetically-modified crops all receive regular coverage in the world's media. This, in turn, has led to increased questioning and investigation of chemical pesticides.Stenersen's concise introduction to chemical pesticides describes these compounds according to their biochemical mode of action, such as whether they are enzyme inhibitors, receptor ligands, or free radical generators. Chemical Pesticides provides answers to why pesticides are toxic to the target organism, how resistance develops, why pesticides are toxic to some organisms and not others. The book also discusses legal matters and concerns as well as potential environmental problems.

Orange Guard Water Based Home Pest Control - 1 Gallon Bottle #101

Orange Guard Water Based Home Pest Control - 1 Gallon Bottle #101
by Orange Guard

The active ingredient in this product is d limonene, a steam distilled byproduct of citrus peels, entirely of natural origin. Persons with known citrus allergies may be affected. This broad based insecticide product will cause mortality in most insects within 15 minutes. The active ingredient d Limonene (orange peel extract) destroys the wax coating of the insects respiratory system. When applied directly, the insect suffocates. The citrus fragrance of d Limonene acts as a repellent. Orange Guard is a water based insecticide. All ingredients in Orange Guard meet the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) standard set by FDA. D limonene is approved by the FDA as a food additive, and is found in products such as fruit cakes, cleaners, degreasers, air fresheners and pet shampoos. Orange Guard...

Basic Guide To Pesticides: Their Characteristics And Hazards: Their Characteristics & Hazards

Basic Guide To Pesticides: Their Characteristics And Hazards: Their Characteristics & Hazards
by CRC (Publisher)

Reference guide for toxicologists, libraries, public health officials, and lay people. Consists of a pesticide name index, charts of their characteristics, their chemical classes, and references. Staff of the Rachel Carson Council is coauthor.

Standard Pesticide User's Guide, The (7th Edition)

Standard Pesticide User's Guide, The (7th Edition)
by Bert L. Bohmont (Author)

Covers all aspects of pesticide principles and use, including topics such as: environmental considerations; insects; plant disease agents; weeds; integrated pest management; laws; liability; recordkeeping; labels; safety; formulations; application equipment; transportation; storage; decontamination; and disposal. Using a non-technical presentation, it helps readers gain an understanding of why pesticides are used, how to apply them safely and how to do this within the letter of the law. Supplies the necessary information for pesticide applicators to use pesticides in a responsible manner. Offer readers quick and easy access to reference material such as the United States and Canadian Pesticide Control Offices, restricted use pesticides, pesticide information...

No Pesticide Seed Moth Trap 2 per pack

No Pesticide Seed Moth Trap 2 per pack
by CMD Products

The pestNOmore Flour Moth Trap is the ideal trap for eradicating Flour Moths from your kitchen, pantry, or other areas infested with these common pests. These traps are easy to use and effective. They are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. There are 2 traps per box, and each trap is effective for at least three months. Like all pestNOmore traps, the Flour Moth traps contain no pesticides or poisons.

The Pesticide Conspiracy

The Pesticide Conspiracy
by Robert Van Den Bosch (Author)

Professor van den Bosch of the University of California was one of the developers of Integrated Pest Managementthe use of biological controls, improved pest knowledge and observation, and judicious application of chemicals only when absolutely necessary. His research often suggested that less or no pesticides should be applied, which made him the target of both open and clandestine attack from industry and government figures. In protest, he wrote this passionate account of what Ecology called "the ultimate social disaster of: evolving pesticide-resistant insects, the destruction of their natural predators and parasites, emergent populations of new insect pests, downstream water pollution, atmospheric pollution, the 'accidental' killing of wildlife and people, and the...

For Export Only: Pesticides (Home Use)

For Export Only: Pesticides (Home Use)
Directed By: Robert Richter
Also With: Robert Richter (Producer), Robert Richter (Writer)

For students and other viewers facing a world of globalization, free markets and deregulation, this investigative documentary reveals shocking information about corporations that export products to developing countries, products that are prohibited or severely restricted in the countries where they are made.Bans or restrictions are because the pesticides cause cancer, liver disease, central nervous system diseases, sterility and death.Specific products and manufacturers are named as the film documents their use and abuse in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Kenya, Ghana, Bangladesh and Malaysia. Today's brand names may be changed, but the practices documented have not.Many pesticides cited are used on products we import, such as coffee, bananas and cotton. "More of a piece of...

Eco-Farms Salted Sunflower Seeds, Grown Pesticide Free, 5.5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 18)

Eco-Farms Salted Sunflower Seeds, Grown Pesticide Free, 5.5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 18)
by Eco-Farms

Eco-Farms Roasted Sunflower Seeds Grown Pesticide Free - Dill Pickle Flavor 5.5 oz Resealable Pouch With Bilingual English/Spanish Packaging

  Pesticides Trust Affiliation - Full Subscription
by Pesticide Action Network UK



© 2009 BrightSurf.com