Analyses of water samples collected from 64 streams and rivers across New York State in June 1997 indicate that patterns of pesticide detection are largely related to the predominant upstream land use and pesticide-application patterns. Of the 47 pesticides for which the samples were analyzed, 25 were detected. Concentrations of most pesticides detected were low and generally did not exceed 0.1 µg/L (microgram per liter). Herbicides used on cornfields, including atrazine, metolachlor, cyanazine, alachlor, and the atrazine degradate deethylatrazine, were detected in samples from 41 to 97 percent of the 64 sites sampled. The highest concentrations (greater than 0.10 µg/L) of these compounds were in streams in western New York State, where corn production is the greatest. Two insecticides-carbaryl and diazinon-were detected in 20 and 14 percent of the samples, respectively. Carbaryl was detected most frequently in streams whose drainage basins either contain extensive vineyards or orchards, or are widely urbanized. Diazinon was detected most frequently in streams that drain urban or residential watersheds. Concentrations of four insecticides-azinphos-methyl, p,p'-DDE, diazinon, and dieldrin- and one herbicide-simazine- exceeded New York State water-quality criteria. Some Federal or State criteria were exceeded at 10 sites. These results represent an initial assessment of the status of pesticide concentrations in surface waters of New York State and, when combined with data collected in the future, will help water managers to assess the status, trends, and health impacts of pesticide contamination of ground and surface waters of New York State including Long Island. This information also will be useful to researchers and water managers who require such data to define the health and environmental effects of pesticide use in the State.

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U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Maintainer: New York District Publications URL: http://ny.water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri984104/index.html Last update: 14:42:57 Thursday 31 May 2001 Privacy Statement || Disclaimer || Accessibility