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One hundred small streams in the Midwest were tested for pesticides during the 2013 growing season and found to contain, on average, 52 pesticides per stream
More than 180 pesticides and their by-products were detected in small streams throughout 11 Midwestern states, some at concentrations likely to harm aquatic insects, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The mixtures of pesticides are more complex than previously reported by the USGS—94 pesticides and 89 pesticide byproducts were detected. On average, 52 pesticide compounds were identified in each stream.
At least one pesticide in at least half of the 100 streams sampled exceeded a threshold predicted to cause harm to aquatic insects and other stream organisms, ranging from acute effects—like death after a short-term exposure—to chronic effects—like longer-term impairments to reproduction and development. Two to four pesticides exceeded that threshold in more than a quarter of the streams. Aquatic insects, like mayfly and stonefly larvae, are critical to stream health because they are an essential link in the aquatic food web. Pesticides were not measured at levels predicted to be toxic to fish in 95 of the 100 streams tested. Potential impacts on human health were not assessed because the small streams sampled in agricultural and urban areas are unlikely to be used as sources of drinking water.
Continuie reading at USGS.
Photo via USGS.
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