Pesticides as water pollutants
2003
Palikhe, B.R.(Plant Protection Directorate, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur (Nepal))
The effect of different agricultural production systems on dietary exposure to pesticides is a question of considerable interest to scientists, regulators and the public, yet few empirical analyses of residue data have addressed this question. Water pollution is of great concern to Nepal. Water pollution is defined as any unreasonable contamination of water that lessons its value to man and nature. Good water quality is a high priority for all urban and rural residents. Since drinking water is ususally obtained from groundwater source, every effort should be made to protect these ground water sources from contamination. Potential contaminants from agriculture inputs such as pesticides and fertilizer can pose a threat to groundwater quality if not properly managed. Pesticides can enter groundwater by infiltration through the soil or by accidental discharge into wells. They can enter surface water by runoff, soil erosion, spray drift, misapplication and spillage. Pesticide users should take special care to prevent contamination of water qualities. Agricultural use of pesticides should be part of an overall pest management strategy, which includes biological controls, cultural methods, pest monitoring and other application practices, referred to altogether as Integrated Pest Management or IPM. When a pesticide is needed its selection should be based on effectiveness, toxicity to non-target species, cost and site characteristics, as well as its solubility and persistence. Water pollution is contamination of water by undesirable foreign matter. It impacts our lakes, rivers, streams, surface water and underground water. Polluted water is responsible for more case of human illness than any other environmental factor.
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