Occurrence and spatial and temporal distribution of pesticide residues in groundwater of major corn-growing areas of Greece (1996-1997).
During 1996-1997, residues of selected pesticides were monitored, at 3-month intervals, in 80 wells, including both irrigation and drinking water wells, distributed among the main corn-growing areas (Pieria, Thessaloniki, Serres, Kavala, and Evros) of Greece. Pesticide residues were found in 48% of the wells; however, in most cases residues were very low ranging from LOQs (quantification limits of the analytical methods) to <0.1 microg/L, while in 11% (nine wells) pesticide residues higher than 0.1 microg/L were present. Most of the latter wells were found in Evros and specificallythe Ardas Valley. The frequency of occurrence, in descending order, was atrazine > DEA > alachlor = metolachlor; however, the order of descending concentrations was atrazine > metolachlor > DEA > alachlor. The occurrence and the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of pesticide residues indicate that at the present the situation of groundwater quality is favorable throughout the corn-growing areas of Greece with the exception of the Ardas Valley.
Papastergiou
A
A
Pesticide Science Laboratory, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Papadopoulou-Mourkidou
E
E
D000081:Acetamides / Q000032:analysis; D001280:Atrazine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D006115:Greece; D006540:Herbicides / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D013997:Time Factors; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D003313:Zea mays / Q000254:growth & development*
D000081:Acetamides; D006540:Herbicides; D010573:Pesticide Residues; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C000188:alachlor; C027879:4-deethylatrazine; D001280:Atrazine; C051786:metolachlor