Environmental concentrations of agricultural herbicides: 2,4-d and triallate

The herbicides 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and triallate [S-2,3,3-trichloroallyl di-isopropyl(thiocarbamate)] are extensively used to control broadleaf and wild oat (respectively) weed infestations in Canadian cereal crops. In 1990, for example, more than 3.8 million kg of 2,4-D and 2.7 million kg of triallate were applied in the three prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). Maximum air concentrations of these two herbicides during the summers of 1989 and 1990 near Regina, Saskatchewan, were 3.90 ng m(-3) (2,4-D) and 60.04 ng m(-3) (triallate). Concentrations of these two herbicides were also measured in bulk atmospheric deposition (wet plus dry) and in farm pond water and associated surface film. Maximum measured levels of 2,4-D were 3550 ng m(-2) d(-1) (bulk deposition), 332 ng m(-2) (surface film), and 290 ng L(-1) (pond water). Maximum levels of triallate were 2300 ng m(-2) d(-1) (bulk deposition), 212 ng m(-2) (surface film), and 500 ng L(-1) (pond water). The highest quantities of the herbicides tended to be found during or immediately after the time of regional application. The movement of the herbicides in the environment will be discussed in relation to the four matrices studied.     

Environmental concentrations of agricultural herbicides in Saskatchewan, Canada: bromoxynil, dicamba, diclofop, MCPA, and trifluralin

Herbicides are the most commonly used group of agricultural pesticides on the Canadian Prairies and, in 1990, more than 20000 Mg of herbicides were applied in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The present paper reports on environmental concentrations of five herbicides currently used in the prairie region. The herbicides bromoxynil [3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile], dicamba [3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid], diclofop [(RS)-2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-phenoxy]propanoic acid], MCPA [(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid], and trifluralin [alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-isopropyl-p-toluidine] were measured in the atmosphere, bulk atmospheric deposits, surface film, and dugout (pond) water at two sites near Regina, Saskatchewan, during 1989 and 1990. All five herbicides were detected in air and surface film and all but trifluralin were detected in the bulk atmospheric deposits and dugout water. Trifluralin was most frequently detected in air (79% of samples) whereas bromoxynil was present in maximum concentration (4.2 ng m(-3)). MCPA was present in maximum levels in bulk atmospheric (wet plus dry) deposits (2350 ng m(-2) d(-1)), surface film (390 ng m(-2)), and dugout water (330 ng L(-1)), whereas dicamba was most frequently detected in surface film (47%) and dugout water (97%). The highest quantities of the herbicides tended to be present during or immediately after the time of regional application.     

Measured concentrations of herbicides and model predictions of atrazine fate in the Patuxent River estuary

The environmental fate of herbicides in estuaries is poorly understood. Estuarine physical transport processes and the episodic nature of herbicide release into surface waters complicate interpretation of water concentration measurements and allocation of sources. Water concentrations of herbicides and two triazine degradation products (CIAT [6-amino-2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-s-triazine] and CEAT [6-amino-2-chloro-4-ethylamino-s-triazine]) were measured in surface water from four sites on 40 d from 4 Apr. through 29 July 19% in the Patuxent River estuary, part of the Chesapeake Bay system. Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) was most persistent and present in the highest concentrations (maximum = 1.29 microg/L). Metolachlor [2-chloro-6'-ethyl-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-o-acetoluidide], CIAT, CEAT, and simazine (1-chloro-3,5-bisethylamino-2,4,6-triazine) were frequently detected with maximum concentration values of 0.61, 1.1, 0.76, and 0.49 microg/L, respectively. A physical transport model was used to interpret atrazine concentrations in the context of estuarine water transport, giving estimates of in situ degradation rates and total transport. The estimated half-life of atrazine in the turbid, shallow upper estuary was t(1/2) = 20 d, but was much longer (t(1/2) = 100 d) in the deeper lower estuary. Although most (93%) atrazine entered the estuary upstream via the river, simulations suggested additional inputs directly to the lower estuary. The total atrazine load to the estuary from 5 April to 15 July was 71 kg with 48% loss by degradation and 31% exported to the Chesapeake Bay. Atrazine persistence in the estuary is directly related to river flows into the estuary. Low flows will increase atrazine residence time in the upper estuary and increase degradation losses.     

Effects of watershed-scale land use change on stream nitrate concentrations

The Walnut Creek Watershed Monitoring Project was conducted from 1995 through 2005 to evaluate the response of stream nitrate concentrations to changing land use patterns in paired 5000-ha Iowa watersheds. A large portion of the Walnut Creek watershed is being converted from row crop agriculture to native prairie and savanna by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (NSNWR). Before restoration, land use in both Walnut Creek (treatment) and Squaw Creek (control) watersheds consisted of 70% row crops. Between 1990 and 2005, row crop area decreased 25.4% in Walnut Creek due to prairie restoration but increased 9.2% in Squaw Creek due to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grassland conversion back to row crop. Nitrate concentrations ranged between <0.5 to 14 mg L(-1) at the Walnut Creek outlet and 2.1 to 15 mg L(-1) at the downstream Squaw Creek outlet. Nitrate concentrations decreased 1.2 mg L(-1) over 10 yr in the Walnut Creek watershed but increased 1.9 mg L(-1) over 10 yr in Squaw Creek. Changes in nitrate were easier to detect and more pronounced in monitored subbasins, decreasing 1.2 to 3.4 mg L(-1) in three Walnut Creek subbasins, but increasing up to 8.0 and 11.6 mg L(-1) in 10 yr in two Squaw Creek subbasins. Converting row crop lands to grass reduced stream nitrate levels over time in Walnut Creek, but stream nitrate rapidly increased in Squaw Creek when CRP grasslands were converted back to row crop. Study results highlight the close association of stream nitrate to land use change and emphasize that grasslands or other perennial vegetation placed in agricultural settings should be part of a long-term solution to water quality problems.     

Stream transport of herbicides and metabolites in a tile-drained, agricultural watershed

The occurrence of metabolites of many commonly used herbicides in streams has not been studied extensively in tile-drained watersheds. We collected water samples throughout the Upper Embarras River watershed [92% corn, Zea mays L., and soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in east-central Illinois from March 1999 through September 2000 to study the occurrence of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine), metolachlor 12-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(methoxy-1-methylethyl) acetamide], alachlor [2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl) acetamide], acetochlor [2-chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl) acetamide], and their metabolites. River water samples were collected from three subwatersheds of varying tile density (2.8-5.3 km tile km(-2)) and from the outlet (United States Geological Survey [USGS] gage site). Near-record-low totals for stream flow occurred during the study, and nearly all flow was from tiles. Concentrations of atrazine at the USGS gage site peaked at 15 and 17 microg L(-1) in 1999 and 2000, respectively, and metolachlor at 2.7 and 3.2 microg L(-1); this was during the first significant flow event following herbicide applications. Metabolites of the chloroacetanilide herbicides were detected more often than the parent compounds (evaluated during May to July each year, when tiles were flowing), with metolachlor ethanesulfonic acid [2-[(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)amino]-2-oxoethanesulfonic acid] detected most often (> 90% from all sites), and metolachlor oxanilic acid [2-[(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)amino]-2-oxoacetic acid] second (40-100% of samples at the four sites). When summed, the median concentration of the three chloroacetanilide parent compounds (acetochlor, alachlor, and metolachlor) at the USGS gage site was 3.4 microg L(-1), whereas it was 4.3 microg L(-1) for the six metabolites. These data confirm the importance of studying chloroacetanilide metabolites, along with parent compounds, in tile-drained watersheds.     

Effects of arsenic concentrations and forms on arsenic uptake by the hyperaccumulator ladder brake

Ladder brake (Pteris vittata L.) is a newly discovered arsenic hyperaccumulator. No information is available about arsenic effects on ladder brake. This study determined the effects of different arsenic concentrations (50 to 1000 mg kg(-1)) or forms (organic vs. inorganic and arsenite vs. arsenate) applied to soils on growth and arsenic uptake by ladder brake. Young plants were grown in a greenhouse for 12 or 18 wk. Ladder brake was highly tolerant of arsenic and survived in soil containing up to 500 mg As kg(-1). The fact that addition of arsenate up to 100 mg As kg(-1) increased fern biomass by 64 to 107%, coupled with higher arsenic concentration in younger fronds at low soil arsenic concentrations and older fronds at high soil arsenic concentrations, implies that arsenic may be beneficial for fern growth. Addition of 50 mg As kg(-1) was best for fern growth and arsenic accumulation, resulting in the highest fern biomass (3.9 g plant(-1)), bioconcentration factor (up to 63), and translocation factor (up to 25). With an exception of FeAsO4 and AlAsO4, which had the lowest effects due to their low solubility, little difference was observed among other arsenic forms mainly because of arsenic conversion in soil. Aboveground biomass was mostly responsible for accumulation of arsenic by plant (75-99%). Up to 26% of the added arsenic was removed by ladder brake, showing the high efficiency of ladder brake in arsenic removal. The results suggest that ladder brake may be a good candidate to remediate arsenic-contaminated soils.     

Persistence of the sulfonylurea herbicides thifensulfuron-methyl, ethametsulfuron-methyl, and metsulfuron-methyl in farm dugouts (ponds)

Sulfonylurea herbicides are applied at relatively low rates (3 to 40 g ha(-1)) to control weeds in a variety of crops across the Canadian prairies. Because of their high phytotoxicity and the likelihood of their transport in surface runoff, there is concern about their possible impact to aquatic ecosystems. Little is known, however, about their persistence and behavior in aquatic ecosystems. To assess persistence in aquatic ecosystems, three prairie farm dugouts (ponds) were fortified with either thifensulfuron-methyl {methyl 3-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-2-thiophenecarboxylate}, ethametsulfuron-methyl {methyl 2-[[[[[4-ethoxy-6-(methylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate} or metsulfuron-methyl {methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate}. The decreasing order of persistence of environmentally relevant concentrations (1 to 4.6 microg L(-1)) of these herbicides in dugout water over the June to October period was metsulfuron-methyl>ethametsulfuron-methyl>thifensulfuron-methyl. The corresponding dissipation half-lives (DT(50)) of 84, 30, and 16 d, respectively, are in the same relative order as the recropping intervals for these herbicides. Thifensulfuron-methyl showed a biphasic dissipation with slower dissipation during the winter months. In contrast, the dissipation of metsulfuron-methyl, the sulfonylurea herbicide with the longest DT(50), was somewhat enhanced under winter conditions. One of the major routes of sulfonylurea herbicide dissipation was removal from the water column when dugout water was lost during hydrological discharge. The relatively long persistence of these herbicides in water indicates that partitioning into sediments was minimal, the sulfonylurea and methyl ester linkages in these compounds were resistant to hydrolysis in weakly alkaline waters, and that microbial and photolytic degradation in dugout waters were slow.     

Comparative study of transport processes of nitrogen, phosphorus, and herbicides to streams in five agricultural basins, USA

Agricultural chemical transport to surface water and the linkage to other hydrological compartments, principally ground water, was investigated at five watersheds in semiarid to humid climatic settings. Chemical transport was affected by storm water runoff, soil drainage, irrigation, and how streams were linked to shallow ground water systems. Irrigation practices and timing of chemical use greatly affected nutrient and pesticide transport in the semiarid basins. Irrigation with imported water tended to increase ground water and chemical transport, whereas the use of locally pumped irrigation water may eliminate connections between streams and ground water, resulting in lower annual loads. Drainage pathways in humid environments are important because the loads may be transported in tile drains, or through varying combinations of ground water discharge, and overland flow. In most cases, overland flow contributed the greatest loads, but a significant portion of the annual load of nitrate and some pesticide degradates can be transported under base-flow conditions. The highest basin yields for nitrate were measured in a semiarid irrigated system that used imported water and in a stream dominated by tile drainage in a humid environment. Pesticide loads, as a percent of actual use (LAPU), showed the effects of climate and geohydrologic conditions. The LAPU values in the semiarid study basin in Washington were generally low because most of the load was transported in ground water discharge to the stream. When herbicides are applied during the rainy season in a semiarid setting, such as simazine in the California basin, LAPU values are similar to those in the Midwest basins.     

Leaching of three imidazolinone herbicides during sprinkler irrigation

Some imidazolinone herbicides have been shown to be mobile in soil, raising concern about their possible movement to ground water. Three imidazolinone herbicides (imazamethabenz-methyl, 497 g ha(-1); imazethapyr, 14.7 g ha(-1); and imazamox, 14.7 g ha(-1)) commonly used in crop production on the Canadian prairies were applied to a tile-drained field to assess their susceptibility to leach when subjected to sprinkler irrigation using a center pivot. Tile-drain flow began when the water table rose above tile-drain depth, and peak flow rates corresponded to the greatest depths of ground water above the tile drains. Interception of irrigation water by the tile drains in each quadrant of the field varied from ～11 to 20% of the water applied. Under a worst-case scenario in which irrigation began the day after herbicide application and irrigation water was applied at 25 mm d(-1) for 12 d, there was evidence of preferential flow of all three herbicides and hydrolysis of imazamethabenz-methyl to imazamethabenz in the initial samples of tile-drain effluent. In subsequent samples, concentrations (analysis by LC-MS-MS) of the summation of imazamethabenz-methyl (25-24,000 ng L(-1)) plus its hydrolysis product imazamethabenz (63-26,500 ng L(-1)) greatly exceeded those of imazethapyr (<13-1260 ng L) and imazamox (19-599 ng L(-1)), thus reflecting relative application rates. In contrast, estimates of total transport of each herbicide from the root zone, which varied in each quadrant and ranged from 0.06 to 2.3% for imazamethabenz-methyl plus imazamethabenz, 0.71 to 3.1% for imazethapyr, and 0.61 to 2.8% for imazamox, did not reflect application rates. In shallow ground water (piezometer samples), there was inconsistent and infrequent detection all four compounds. With the frequency and amount of rainfall typically encountered in the prairie region of Canada, contamination of shallow ground water with detectable concentrations of the three imidazolinone herbicides would be unlikely.     

Enhanced desorption of herbicides sorbed on soils by addition of Triton X-100

A study of the desorption of atrazine (1-chloro-3-ethylamino-5-isopropylamino-2,4,6-triazine) and linuron [1-methoxy-1-methyl-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea] adsorbed on soils with different organic matter (OM) and clay contents was conducted in water and in the presence of the non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 at different concentrations. The aim was to gain insight into soil characteristics in surfactant-enhanced desorption of herbicides from soils. Adsorption and desorption isotherms in water, in all Triton X-100 solutions for atrazine, and in solutions of 0.75 times the critical micelle concentration (cmc) and 1.50cmc for linuron fit the Freundlich equation. All desorption isotherms showed hysteresis. Hysteresis coefficients decreased for linuron and increased or decreased for atrazine in Triton X-100 solutions. These variations were dependent on surfactant concentration and soil OM and clay contents. In the soil-water-surfactant system desorption of linuron from all soils was always greater than in the soil-water system but for atrazine this only occurred at concentrations higher than 50cmc. For the highest Triton X-100 concentration (100cmc), the desorption of the most hydrophobic herbicide (linuron) was increased more than 18-fold with respect to water in soil with an OM content of 10.3% while the atrazine desorption was increased 3-fold. The effect of Triton X-100 on the desorption of both herbicides was very low in soil with a high clay content. The results indicate the potential use of Triton X-100 to facilitate the desorption of these herbicides from soil to the water-surfactant system. They also contribute to better understanding of the interactions of different molecules and surfaces in the complex soil-herbicide-water surfactant system.     

Applicability of a continuous-flow system inner-coated with S-doped titania for the photocatalysis of dimethyl sulfide at low concentrations

The present study investigated the photocatalytic activity of an S-doped TiO₂ photocatalyst with regards to dimethyl sulfide degradation under visible-light irradiation, along with its deactivation and reactivation. The dimethyl sulfide conversion was between 85% and 93% for the lowest relative humidity range (10–20%) and close to 100% for the two higher relative humidity ranges (45–55% and 80–90%). The conversion was also close to 100% for the two lowest input concentrations (0.039 and 0.195 ppm), while it was between 91% and 96% at 3.9 ppm and between 85% and 90% at 7.9 ppm. In contrast to the input concentration dependences on conversion, the calculated degradation rates increased as input concentrations increased. The dimethyl sulfide conversion at low concentrations (≤0.39 ppm), which are associated with non-occupational inn occurring. However, catalyst deactivations were observed during the photocatalytic process whdoor air quality issues, was up to nearly 100% for long time periods (at least 603 h), without any significant catalyst deactivatioen higher concentrations (3.9 and 7.8 ppm) were used. The photocatalyst, reactivated by using two types of air (dried and humidified) under visible-light irradiation, did not regain all of its initial activities. Sulfate groups were qualitatively identified as the reaction products on the photocatalyst surface. In addition, gaseous byproducts, quantitatively determined, included dimethyl disulfide, methanol, and SO₂. It is noteworthy that the peak concentration of dimethyl disulfide (0.79 ppm = 790 ppb), generated over the photocatalytic process with the highest dimethyl sulfide input concentration, exceeded the odor threshold value of 0.1–3.6 ppb for dimethyl disulfide.     

Effects of TiO2 based photocatalytic paint on concentrations and emissions of pollutants and on animal performance in a swine weaning unit

The beneficial effect of a TiO2-based photocatalytic treatment on the indoor air purification of a swine farm has been evaluated in a trial performed in two identical mechanically ventilated traditional weaning units, with 391 animals lodged in each of them. One unit was used as reference, whereas the walls of the second unit (260 m2) were coated with ca. 70 g m(-2) of TiO2 and irradiated with ten UV-A lamps. The environmental parameters (i.e. the ventilation rate, the internal and external temperature and relative humidity), together with NH3, CH4, CO2 and N2O concentrations in the exhaust ducts and PM10 emissions, were monitored in the two units throughout all of the production cycle (75 days). Significant decreases in CH4 concentration (ca. 27%, P < 0.05) and PM10 emission (ca. 17%, P < 0.01) were observed, together with an increase of the piglets' productive performance in the treated unit with respect to the reference one. Indeed, the ADG (Average Daily Gain of piglets) was 424 g vs. 414 g for the piglets lodged in the two units, respectively, with a significantly better feed conversion ratio (FCR, ratio between the food ingested by the animals and their weight gain) of 2.18 vs. 2.44 (P < 0.001). Therefore, the photocatalytic treatment with TiO2 coating had positive effects not only on methane concentration and particulate matter concentration and emission, but also significantly improved the feed conversion ratio of growing piglets, very likely due to the increased quality of indoor air, with positive economic repercussions for the farmer. Internal photocatalytic treatment in swine husbandry could thus be considered as a potential Best Available Technology (BAT).     

Resistant weeds were controlled by the combined use of herbicides and bioherbicides

The intensive and abundant use of synthetic herbicides has been questioned in recent decades due to the strong dependence and also the resistance effects that are identified in weeds. Several grain crops suffer from the weed control system because many of the weeds are already resistant to the main herbicides that are used. In recent years, there has been a large gap in the market without the addition of new synthetic herbicides with mechanisms of action that differ from those already existing. The objective of this short piece is to address and overcome this challenge and bring an innovative and alternative solution that proposes a synergistic action system between bioherbicides produced by the fungus Trichoderma koningiopsis and synthetic herbicides (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, glyphosate, and ammonium glufosinate). The plants included in this study were Bidens pilosa (amor seco, or in the United States, beggar ticks or Spanish needle), Euphorbia heterophylla (adeus‐brasil), and Conyza bonariensis (margaridinha‐do‐campo, or, in the United States, hairy fleabane or asthmaweed). It was verified that, in the application of the biocomposites in the presence of chemical herbicides, potentiation of the phytotoxic action (100%) occurred under the target plants, emphasizing phytotoxicity to the weed, C. bonariensis, which is currently resistant to available herbicides. The bioherbicides studied have promising characteristics to be explored in the biocontrol of weeds.     

Effects of Turbidity,Sediment, and Polyacrylamide on Native Freshwater Mussels

Turbidity is a ubiquitous pollutant adversely affecting water quality and aquatic life in waterways globally. Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is widely used as an effective chemical flocculent to reduce suspended sediment (SS) and turbidity. However, no information exists on the toxicity of PAM‐flocculated sediments to imperiled, but ecologically important, freshwater mussels (Unionidae). Thus, we conducted acute (96 h) and chronic (24 day) laboratory tests with juvenile fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and three exposure conditions (nonflocculated settled sediment, SS, and PAM‐flocculated settled sediment) over a range of turbidity levels (50, 250, 1,250, and 3,500 nephelometric turbidity units). Survival and sublethal endpoints of protein oxidation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and protein concentration were used as measures of toxicity. We found no effect of turbidity levels or exposure condition on mussel survival in acute or chronic tests. However, we found significant reductions in protein concentration, ATP production, and oxidized proteins in mussels acutely exposed to the SS condition, which required water movement to maintain sediment in suspension, indicating responses that are symptoms of physiological stress. Our results suggest anionic PAM applied to reduce SS may minimize adverse effects of short‐term turbidity exposure on juvenile freshwater mussels without eliciting additional lethal or sublethal toxicity.     

Effects of weir management on marsh loss,Marsh Island,Louisiana, USA

Weirs are low-level dams traditionally used in Louisiana's coastal marshes to improve habitat for ducks and furbearers. Currently, some workers hope that weirs may reduce marsh loss, whereas others fear that weirs may accelerate marsh loss. Parts of Marsh Island, Louisiana, have been weir-managed since 1958 to improve duck and furbearer habitat. Using aerial photographs, marsh loss that occurred between 1957 and 1983 in a 2922-ha weir-managed area was compared to that in a 2365-ha unmanaged area. Marsh loss was 0.38%/yr in the weir-managed area, and 0.35%/yr in the unmanaged area. Because marsh loss in the two areas differed less than 0.19%/yr, it was concluded that weirs did not affect marsh loss. The increase in open water between 1957 and 1983 did not result from the expansion of lakes or bayous. Rather, solid marsh converted to broken marsh, and the amount of vegetation within previously existing broken marsh decreased. Solid marsh farthest from large lakes and bayous, and adjacent to existing broken marsh, seemed more likely to break up. Marsh Island has few canals; therefore, marsh loss resulted primarily from natural processes. Weirs may have different effects under different hydrological conditions; additional studies are needed before generalizations regarding weirs and marsh loss can be made.     

Nonpoint source of nutrients and herbicides associated with sugarcane production and its impact on Louisiana coastal water quality

A watershed analysis of nonpoint-source pollution associated with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) production was conducted. Runoff water samples following major rainfall events from two representative sugarcane fields (SC1 and SC2) were collected and analyzed. The impact of runoff on two receiving water bodies, St. James canal (SJC) and Bayou Chevreuil (BC) in a drainage basin (Baratarian Basin), was studied. Results show that runoff flow/rainfall ratios at the SC1 were significantly higher (P < 0.0001, n = 14) than at the SC2, probably mainly due to higher sand content and higher infiltration rate of surface soil at the SC2. In runoff water samples, total suspended solids (TSS) showed a significant correlation with the concentrations of N and P. Sugarcane runoff showed a direct impact on the SJC and BC locations where seasonal variations of pollutant concentrations in the waters followed the patterns of runoff loadings. Swamp forest runoff (SFR) location showed a buffering effect of forested wetlands on water quality with the lowest measured pollutant concentrations. The ratios in total N/total P and in inorganic N/organic N in runoff waters indicated that fertilization in spring greatly contributed to the temporal increase of N loadings, especially in forms of inorganic N. Isotope signature of (15)N-nitrate in the water samples verified that the nitrate was derived from fertilizers and was consumed during transportation. Both N and P concentrations in the receiving water bodies were above the eutrophic level. During the study period, herbicide concentrations in the receiving water bodies rarely exceeded the drinking water standards.     

Trace element concentrations in soil, corn leaves, and grain after cessation of biosolids applications

From 1974 to 1984, 543 Mg ha(-1) of biosolids were applied to portions of a land-reclamation site in Fulton County, IL. Soil organic C increased to 5.1% then decreased significantly (p < 0.01) to 3.8% following cessation of biosolids applications (1985-1997). Metal concentrations in amended soils (1995-1997) were not significantly different (p > 0.05) (Ni and Zn) or were significantly lower (p < 0.05) (6.4% for Cd and 8.4% for Cu) than concentrations from 1985-1987. For the same biosolids-amended fields, metal concentrations in corn (Zea mays L.) either remained the same (p > 0.05, grain Cu and Zn) or decreased (p < 0.05, grain Cd and Ni, leaf Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn) for plants grown in 1995-1997 compared with plants grown immediately following termination of biosolids applications (1985-1987). Biosolids application increased (p < 0.05) Cd and Zn concentrations in grain compared with unamended fields (0.01 to 0.10 mg kg(-1) for Cd and 23 to 28 mg kg(-1) for Zn) but had no effect (p > 0.05) on grain Ni concentrations. Biosolids reduced (p < 0.05) Cu concentration in grain compared with grain from unamended fields (1.9 to 1.5 mg kg(-1)). Biosolids increased (p < 0.05) Cd, Ni, and Zn concentrations in leaves compared with unamended fields (0.3 to 5.6 mg kg(-1) for Cd, 0.2 to 0.5 mg kg(-1) for Ni, and 32 to 87 mg kg(-1) for Zn), but had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on leaf Cu concentrations. Based on results from this field study, USEPA's Part 503 risk model overpredicted transfer of these metals from biosolids-amended soil to corn.     

Target and nontarget discrimination of herbicides applied to vegetation in a power-line corridor

We tested two cutting regimens (cut/spray and cut/delay spray) and four radiarc-applied herbicides (Garlon + Tordon, Accord, Accord + Escort, and Krenite) in an Ohio power-line corridor to determine which management combination best eliminated target species (i.e., trees) and preserved nontarget species (i.e., low shrubs, vines, perennial herbs, and grasses). When spraying was delayed after cutting, the herbicide with the least impact on nontarget species (Krenite) also was least efficient at killing target trees. Spraying soon after cutting improved tree-killing efficiency of several herbicides, but it also increased the negative impact on nontarget species. The herbicide with the most consistent tree-killing ability (Accord + Escort) had the most impact on nontarget species. Because none of the herbicide/cutting treatments performed ideally, resource managers must decide the acceptable impact on nontarget species when considering herbicide use. Future success of herbicides as part of an integrated succession management approach requires more selective application methods and formulations so that target effects can be maximized and nontarget effects can be minimized.     

Photodegradation of selected herbicides in various natural waters and soils under environmental conditions

The photochemical degradation of herbicides belonging to different chemical groups has been investigated in different types of natural waters (ground, river, lake, marine) and distilled water as well as in soils with different texture and composition. Studied herbicides and chemical groups included atrazine, propazine, and prometryne (s-triazines); propachlor and propanil (acetanilides); and molinate (thiocarbamate). The degradation kinetics were monitored under natural conditions of sunlight and temperature. Photodegradation experiments were performed in May through July 1998 at low concentrations in water samples (2-10 mg/L) and soil samples (5-20 mg/kg), which are close to usual field dosage. The photodegradation rates of all studied herbicides in different natural waters followed a pseudo-first order kinetics. The half-lives of the selected herbicides varied from 26 to 73 calendar days in waters and from 12 to 40 d in soil surfaces, showing that the degradation process depends on the constitution of the irradiated media. The presence of humic substances in the lake, river, and marine water samples reduces degradation rates in comparison with the distilled and ground water. On the contrary, the degradation in soil is accelerated as the percentage of organic matter increases. Generally, the photodegradation process in soil is faster than in water. The major photodegradation products identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were the hydroxy and dealkylated derivatives for s-triazines, the dechlorinated and hydroxy derivative for the anilides, and the keto-derivative for the thiocarbamate, indicating a similar mode of degradation for each chemical category.     

Effects of pasture renovation on hydrology, nutrient runoff, and forage yield

Proper pasture management is important in promoting optimal forage growth and reducing runoff and nutrient loss. Pasture renovation is a management tool that improves aeration by mechanically creating holes or pockets within the soil. Pasture renovation was performed before manure application (poultry litter or swine slurry) on different pasture soils and rainfall simulations were conducted to identify the effects of pasture renovation on nutrient runoff and forage growth. Renovation of small plots resulted in significant and beneficial hydrological changes. During the first rainfall simulation, runoff volumes were 45 to 74% lower for seven out of eight renovated treatments, and infiltration rates increased by 3 to 87% for all renovated treatments as compared with nonrenovated treatments. Renovation of pasture soils fertilized with poultry litter led to significant reductions in dissolved reactive P (DRP) (74-87%), total P (TP) (76-85%), and total nitrogen (TN) (72-80%) loads in two of the three soils studied during the first rainfall simulation. Renovation did not result in any significant differences in forage yields. Overall, beneficial impacts of renovation lasted up to 3 mo, the most critical period for nutrient runoff following manure application. Therefore, renovation could be an important best management practice in these areas.