Current Water testing
for insecticides show shortcomings
A current study conducted by the Landau-based Institute of
Environmental Sciences of the University of Koblenz-Landau, reveals that current
monitoring methods for insecticides in water resources is inaccurate. Due to
staffing, funding and time constraints, most water samples are regularly taken
on fixed dates throughout the year. This
leads to inaccurate measures because “insecticides enter water resources very
irregularly and, even though their concentrations exceed the threshold levels
only for a short time, their harmful effect is present” (SD, 2013).
Fungicides and herbicides are used on a regular basis;
unlike insecticides which are used in cases of acute insect infestation. Very
High doses are applied. Even though insecticides often have very short
half-lives in the environment; they can still have a harmful effect on aquatic
insects and other invertebrates. This in the long run may alter the community
composition of the water (SD, 2013).
Testing of water resources should be done when these large
volumes of insecticides are being used or when heavy rains wash these chemicals
into the water resources. According to the study even daily sampling at fixed
times detected on 2 of six peaks. On the other hand, event related sampling
measures all the peaks. “ Current practice wastes considerable sums of money,
as many of the fixed intervals do not coincide with periods of high insecticide
concentrations” (SD, 21013).
This inaccurate testing gives a false sense of safety. Tests
that reveal no contaminates should be discarded, according to researchers. The
article offered the following suggestions to help minimize effects of pollution.
“The environmental pollution of water resources could be reduced with a number
of cost-effective and efficient measures: For example, the border strips
between area used for agricultural purposes and water resources would have to
be widened and effectively structured. Hedges at the edge of the field would
reduce the spray drift. Furthermore, constructed wetlands should be furnished
with plants, which according to previous studies of the Institute of
Environmental Sciences in Landau are capable of reducing pesticide exposure up
to 70 per cent” (SD, 2013).
You can read the entire article here http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114092523.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29
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References:
SD (Science Daily), 2013. Online. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114092523.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29
Sebastian Stehle, Anja Knäbel and Ralf Schulz. Probabilistic
Risk Assessment of Insecticide Concentrations in Agricultural Surface Waters: A
Critical Appraisal. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 12 December 2012
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