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Long‐distance Transport of Pesticides
Author(s) -
Hurtig H.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
eppo bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.327
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1365-2338
pISSN - 0250-8052
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2338.1971.tb02591.x
Subject(s) - pesticide , environmental science , agrochemical , volatilisation , agriculture , environmental protection , ecology , environmental chemistry , biology , chemistry , organic chemistry
The controversy surrounding the continued use of certain pesticides has resulted in a new breed of ecologists who are calling for a complete rejection of today's agrochemical systems of plant and animal protection. The data obtained suggest that in the chain of events surrounding the ecological fate of pesticides, the ultimate step in global pathways of distribution involves long‐distance transport associated with low‐altitude fall‐out. Residues in the soil have varying significance depending upon various factors. The major phenomena are volatilization, photo‐decomposition, chemical decomposition (including microbial), adsorption, leaching, dilution, mechanical removal including erosion, uptake by plants and co‐distillation. Recent evidence concerning variations in the amounts of pesticides detected in the streams draining agricultural and resort areas in Ontario and emptying into the Great Lakes is discussed. There are, as yet, too few examples of mathematical models and experimental verification to enable predictions for large marine eco‐systems. However, small scale studies suggest that some persistent and non‐biodegradable pesticides which are subject to long‐distance transport do require a restricted and supervised use. An analysis of our present knowledge of the operative factors involved in predicting short and long‐distance aerial transport of pesticides is currently being undertaken in Canada. The information, assessments and recommendations are summarized in this paper.