Pesticides in Surface Water During the Irrigation Season
Map and Data for This Study
- Objectives:
-
Examine the occurrence and distribution of pesticides near and
along the South Platte River during the irrigation season (pesticide
application period).
- Approach:
-
Sampled 19 sites at the mouths of major tributaries and along the
main stem South Platte River from Henderson, Colo., through North
Platte, Nebr. Two to three samples were collected at each site,
during both high and low flow conditions.
- Timing:
-
Spring and Summer 1994
- Targeted Physical and Chemical Data:
-
Flow, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, water temperature,
and pesticides.
- Selected Results:
-
39 pesticides were detected at least once. Concentrations generally
were less than standards or guidelines for drinking water and aquatic
life.
Only 8 of the 39 pesticides detected had median concentrations greater than their respective detection limits.
The herbicide DCPA (commonly used for irrigated agriculture) was measured at the highest concentration of 30 micrograms per liter.
Atrazine (commonly used for irrigated agriculture) and prometon (commonly used for long-term weed control in noncropped areas) persisted throughout the growing season at consistent concentrations.
COLORADO DISTRICT | NATIONAL NAWQA PROGRAM | USGS | WATER | GEOLOGY | MAPPING | BIOLOGY
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
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Project Information: South Platte Nawqa Information
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Last Modified:
July 1, 2002