The potential risks of groundwater and surface water contamination by agricultural chemicals used in vegetable production

Abstract

This study identifies those agricultural chemicals used in vegetable production in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, and Texas that are potential contaminants of groundwater and surface water which, in turn, pose risks to human health. Arizona and Florida are more likely to have nitrate leaching problems than Michigan or Texas. The potential for pesticide leaching is relatively high in Arizona head lettuce production and Michigan asparagus production but only moderate in Florida tomato production and Texas watermelon production. The potential for soil‐adsorbed runoff and solution runoff in Arizona head lettuce, Florida tomatoes, and Michigan asparagus production is low to moderate. The potential for these sorts of losses in Texas watermelon production is relatively high. Vegetable production around Phoenix, Arizona, in southeast Texas, and in the entire state of Florida is located such that groundwater aquifers which supply drinking water are vulnerable to contamination.

Notes

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Senior authorship is not assigned.