MP5 Agrochemicals and Pesticides
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(MAR-1117-652364) Multi-media assessment of current-use pesticides in an agricultural area of southern Ontario.

Marvin, C.¹, Struger, J.¹, Sverko, E.¹, Burniston, D.¹, Froude, F.², Blanchard, P.², ¹ Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada² Environment Canada, Downsview, ON, Canada

ABSTRACT- Environment Canada routinely conducts current-use pesticide monitoring in a number of media. In 2004, this multi-media sampling was coordinated at two different locations in southern Ontario. Air (filter and PUF), surface water, and precipitation were collected at Vineland, Ontario, and Egbert, Ontario. The site of Vineland is located on an active field and represents an area of intensive agriculture, while the site of Egbert is removed from direct agricultural activities and is potentially indicative of the influence of long-range transport of pesticides. Samples were analyzed for a comprehensive suite of pesticides including triazines, neutral and phenoxy acid herbicides, and organophosphorus insecticides. Pesticides that are applied in growing of fruits and vegetables were frequently detected in all media at both sites. Interestingly, levels of some pesticides including bromoxynil, dicamba, and 2,4-D in May and June in air at Egbert (5-63 ng/m3) were similar to corresponding levels at Vineland (4-42 ng/m3). Conversely, concentrations of 2,4-D in Vineland surface waters (ND-8240 ng/L) were roughly an order of magnitude greater than levels measured in a creek near the Egbert site(ND-48.9 ng/L). These results suggest that surface water may be a better indicator of locally-applied pesticides, while air samples represent a combination of local, regional, and continental sources of pesticides

Key words: pesticides, surface water, air, precipitation