Pesticides in U.S. streams and groundwater

Robert J. Gilliom

doi:10.1021/es072531u

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Pesticides in U.S. streams and groundwater

Robert J. Gilliom

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Abstract

A 10-year study by the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS’s) National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program provides a national-scale view of pesticide occurrence in streams and groundwater. The 1992-2001 study builds upon a preliminary analysis from NAWQA’s first phase of studies during 1992-1996 (1, 2). Pesticide data available from various studies prior to 1992 did not allow national assessment because of limited and variable geographic coverage (usually focusing on individual states or regions), sparse and inconsistent inclusion of pesticides in use, and variable sampling designs (3-5). The expanded geographic coverage and improved data following 10 years of study (Figure 1) confirm and reinforce previously reported findings and enable more detailed analyses of each topic. This article summarizes selected findings from a comprehensive report (6), with a focus on the nature of pesticide occurrence and potential significance to human health and stream ecosystems. Information on study design and methods as well as additional analysis of geographic patterns and trends in relation to use and management practices are available in the full report (6).

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Robert J. Gilliom. 2007-05-15. Pesticides in U.S. streams and groundwater. https://doi.org/10.1021/es072531u

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