Water quality monitoring is used to determine the impact of human activities on the environment. We evaluated water quality in the Água Boa stream, located within the municipality of Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, by analyzing physico-chemical, chemical, and microbiological parameters, as well as chlorophyll concentrations. Five sets of water samples were collected between December 2012 and November 2013 from three locations within the stream. The results showed the presence of Escherichia coli and antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas spp. strains and high concentrations of organic matter (total dissolved solids), inorganic species (Mg, Ca, and Fe), and agrochemical residues (thiamethoxam). The main stream water contaminants are derived from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities within the watershed. Given the presence of contaminants, it is important that such findings are disseminated in order to highlight the risks that contact with this water may pose to human health. To preserve the environment and improve site conditions, people would need to participate by demanding that normative national and international standards be respected and that the situation be supervised by the competent governmental agencies; this would make it possible to reverse or minimize contamination problems within the Água Boa stream.

The Cataniapo River basin--which is the only source of water for the town of Puerto Ayacucho, in the Venezuelan Amazon--is being subjected to intense environmental pressure by unplanned agricultural and urban local development. In order to describe the spatial-temporal variation in water quality, water and sediment samples were collected quarterly from the upper, middle and lower sections of the Cataniapo River between 2000 and 2003. The following parameters and compounds were determined: suspended solids, alkalinity, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total and fecal coliforms, hydrocarbons, heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, Cu and Cr) and organochlorine insecticides. Analyses were performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and field sensors. Values for pH oscillated around 5 units in the three sections of the river, which is considered normal for this type of clear water according to existing historical records. Nevertheless, temporary acidification was observed during the period of low waters, or the dry season, when pH values decreased to roughly 4. Continuous and elevated concentrations of total and fecal coliforms of up to 14 000 and 2 800 organisms per 100 ml-1, respectively, were detected. The highest concentrations of heavy metals found in the water were Cu 0.09; Cr 0.05; Pb 0.24; Zn 0.33; Ni 1.32; Hg 0.02 mg l-1); with Pb, Ni and Hg being higher than the international norms recommended for the normal development of aquatic life, in general, and for human consumption, in particular. The presence of two organochlorinated insecticides were found Aldrin (0.072 μg l-1) and β-BHC (0.126 μg l-1) which are banned from the basins due to their "protected area status." The results obtained by this investigation revealed a deterioration in the quality of the water in the lower Cataniapo River. Although this is localized and moderate, it needs to be addressed by implementing alternative ecological management strategies that include the careful use of available aquatic resources. | La cuenca del río Cataniapo, única fuente de agua para la ciudad de Puerto Ayacucho en la amazonía venezolana, está siendo sometida a una intensa presión ambiental por la anárquica expansión agrícola y urbanística local. Con la finalidad de caracterizar la alteración espacio-temporal en su calidad de agua fueron colectadas trimestralmente muestras de agua y sedimento en las secciones alta, media y baja del río Cataniapo entre los años 2000 y 2003. Fueron determinados los siguientes parámetros y compuestos: sólidos suspendidos, alcalinidad, pH, conductividad, oxígeno disuelto, coliformes totales y fecales, hidrocarburos totales, metales pesados (Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, Cu y Cr) e insecticidas organoclorados. Las técnicas analíticas empleadas para los distintos análisis fueron la espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y el uso de sensores de campo. Los valores de pH oscilaron alrededor de las cinco unidades en las tres secciones del río, valor considerado normal para este tipo de aguas claras, según los registros históricos existentes; sin embargo, fue observada una acidificación temporal en la hidrofase de aguas bajas o época seca cuando el pH disminuyó hasta valores cercanos a cuatro. Fueron detectadas continuas y elevadas concentraciones de coliformes totales y fecales, alcanzando máximas de 14 000 y 2 800 organismos 100 ml-1, respectivamente. Las concentraciones más altas encontradas para los metales pesados en el compartimiento agua fueron: Cu, 0.09; Cr, 0.05; Pb, 0.24; Zn, 0.33; Ni, 1.32; Hg, 0.02 mg l-1, encontrándose el contenido de Pb, Ni y Hg por encima de las normativas internacionales para el normal desarrollo de la vida acuática en general y para el consumo humano en particular. Fueron registrados dos insecticidas organoclorados prohibidos en la cuenca debido a su figura administrativa de área protegida: Aldrín (0.072 μg l-1) y β-BHC (0.126 μg l-1). Los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación revelaron un deterioro de la calidad de agua de la sección baja del río Cataniapo, que aunque es muy localizado y moderado, es necesario remediar implementando alternativas de gestión ecológica, que incorporen el principio de precaución en el aprovechamiento de sus recursos acuáticos.

Sem respeitar sua capacidade de suporte aliado à utilização maciça de agroquímicos, o uso agrícola do solo vem comprometendo a qualidade da água superficial. Neste trabalho, teve-se por objetivo monitorar a qualidade da água do dreno principal de uma microbacia hidrográfica (MBH) de cabeceira, situada em área predominantemente produtora de fumo e que utiliza intensamente agroquímicos e manejo convencional. A MBH está localizada no distrito de Nova Boêmia, em Agudo, RS. Coletaram-se amostras para análise em quatro pontos representativos do arroio, nos primeiros oito meses de 2002 e se analisaram, nas amostras de água, parâmetros microbiológicos, físicos e químicos; em um dos pontos avaliou-se a vazão e o transporte de sedimentos durante um evento chuvoso. As maiores concentrações de poluentes ocorreram nas águas coletadas nos pontos de maior influência de lavouras e estabelecimentos rurais. Os meses mais chuvosos coincidiram com as maiores contaminações microbiológicas, principalmente por coliformes fecais, enquanto os resultados mostraram que a água do arroio apresentou concentração de fósforo muito acima do padrão da classe 3 do CONAMA (1986). | The agricultural over use of the soil and excessive application of agrochemicals affect water quality. The present work was carried out to monitor the water quality of the main drain of a watershed cropped predominantly by tobacco, with intense use of agrochemicals and cultivated under conventional tillage. The watershed is located in the district of Nova Boemia in Agudo (Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil). During first eight months of 2002, samples were collected at four representative points of the stream. Microbiological and physiochemical parameters were analyzed. At are of the prints, the water flow and sediment transport was evaluated during a rain event. The greatest concentration of pollutants occurred in the sample collected at the points of intense farming influence and rural establishments. The most rainy months coincided with the greatest biological contaminations, mainly by fecal coliforms. The results showed that watershed water show phosphorus contents very high compared to standards of class 3 of CONAMA (1986).

Agrochemicals are intensely used on rice (Orysa sativa L.) paddy culture, and depending on their environmental persistence and toxicity they may contaminate water bodies and affect non-target organisms. Both herbicides and insecticides are recommended for use in rice culture in southern Brazil. This study aimed was divided into three different experiments, with the following aims: (i) to determine the persistence of the herbicides imazethapyr + imazapic (Only®), bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulan, clomazone, and quinclorac and of the insecticides carbofuran and fipronil in irrigation water; (ii) to investigate the effect of these agrochemicals on physical, chemical and biological water quality; and, (iii) to investigate the effects of these agrochemicals on the native zooplanktonic biota of rice paddy fields cultivated under the direct seeding system. The field experiment was carried out in Santa Maria (RS), at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), in crop years 2007/08 and 2008/09; in 9.7 x 7.6 m= 73.7 m2 plots separated by soil levees. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with three replications. The treatments applied were imazethapyr (75 g a.i. ha-1) + imazapic (25 g a.i. ha-1) (Only®), bispyribacsodium (50 g a.i. ha-1), penoxsulan (48 a.i. g ha-1), clomazone (600 g a.i. ha-1), quinclorac (375 g a.i. ha-1), carbofuran (400 g a.i. ha-1) and fipronil (37.5 g a.i. ha-1) as well as a control block. In Experiment I, the agrochemicals persistence decreased in the following order: quinclorac > bispyribac-sodium = penoxsulan > carbofuran > imazapic > imazethapyr = fipronil > clomazone, detected for 84, 60, 60, 42, 39, 28, 28 e 25 days, respectively, (means of crop years 2007/08 and 2008/09). Quinclorac shows the greatest dissipation time (DT50) with 15.4 days, whilst clomazone exhibited the smallest DT50 value, 1.9 days. On Experiment II, results show that the isolated application of the herbicides and insecticides tested did not result in noticeable water quality alteration when compared to the control treatment. In general, physical, chemical and biological parameters remained below the values recommended by the environmental agencies used as reference for this study. In Experiment III, results indicated that Rotifers had the highest abundance in the zooplankton community, with Polyarthra as the most abundant genus; it was also concluded that the agrochemicals had little effect over the Rotifera and Copepoda groups (adult and nauplii). | Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior | A lavoura de arroz (Orysa sativa L.) irrigado utiliza agroquímicos intensamente, que, dependendo da sua persistência no ambiente e toxicidade, podem contaminar corpos d água e afetar organismos não-alvo. Os herbicidas e os inseticidas são agrotóxicos recomendados para o arroz irrigado no sul do Brasil. Este estudo foi desenvolvido em três experimentos, os quais tiveram por objetivos: (i) determinar a persistência dos herbicidas imazetapir + imazapique (Only®), bispiribaque-sódico, penoxsulam, clomazona, quincloraque, e dos inseticidas carbofurano e fipronil na água de irrigação em áreas cultivadas com arroz irrigado; (ii) investigar o efeito destes agrotóxicos na qualidade física, química e biológica da água; e, (iii) investigar os efeitos destes agrotóxicos na densidade da biota zooplanctônica natural no arroz cultivado no sistema de plantio direto. O experimento foi realizado a campo, na UFSM, em Santa Maria (RS), nas safras de 2007/08 e 2008/09; e conduzido em parcelas de 9,7 x 7,6 m= 73,7 m2 isoladas por taipas. O experimento foi conduzido com delineamento de blocos ao acaso com três repetições. Cada parcela recebeu de forma aleatória um tratamento, onde foram aplicadas a mistura dos herbicidas imazetapir (75 g i.a. ha-1) com imazapique (25 g i.a. ha-1), (Only®) bispiribaque-sódico (50 g i.a. ha-1), penoxsulam (48 i.a. g ha-1), clomazona (600 g i.a. ha-1), quincloraque (375 g i.a. ha-1), e os inseticidas carbofurano (400 g i.a. ha-1) e fipronil (37,5 g i.a. ha-1), além do tratamento controle. No Experimento I, os resultados mostraram que na média das duas safras (2007/08 e 2008/09) a persistência dos agrotóxicos decresceu na seguinte ordem: quincloraque > bispiribaque sódico = penoxsulam > carbofurano > imazapique > imazetapir = fipronil > clomazona com persistência de 84, 60, 60, 42, 39, 28, 28 e 25 dias, respectivamente. Quincloraque registrou maior tempo de dissipação (DT50) com 15,4 dias, enquanto clomazona apresentou o menor valor de DT50 na água com 1,9 dias. No Experimento II, os resultados mostraram que a aplicação isolada dos herbicidas e os inseticidas testados não acarretam grande alteração na qualidade da água quando comparada à qualidade da água de irrigação do tratamento controle (padrão). Em geral, os parâmetros físicos e químicos da água estiveram abaixo dos utilizados pelas agências ambientais e usados como referência neste estudo. No Experimento III, os resultados indicaram que Rotífera foi o grupo que apresentou maior abundância na comunidade zooplanctônica, destacando-se o gênero Polyarthra como o mais abundante; e também que agrotóxicos provocaram poucas alterações na abundância de organismos dos grupos Rotifera e Copepoda (adulto e nauplio).

The permanent monoculture of bananas and plantains farming in the middle of Río Grande (Turbo - Antioquia) requires the application of a variety of pesticides. Inappropriate banana production practices in this region, have often led to waterbody pollution by agrochemicals from leachate and runoff processes. Currently, fish are the most common vertebrates used as bioindicators of water quality, because they are very sensitive to the presence of contaminants. Our main goal with this study was to compare the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) in peripheral blood specimens of fish Brycon henni, from two locations (polluted and unpolluted) in the Rio Grande. We evaluated the frequency of MNE in peripheral blood samples of fish B. henni from each location during two rainy seasons in 2010 and two dry seasons in 2011. Blood samples were collected, fixed for 24 h, and then were stained with Giemsa. Among results, we found that the median frequency of MNE was higher in the polluted site by agrochemical discharges (0.15±0.18), than in the unimpacted site (0.06±0.08). Furthermore, the frequency of MNE in B. henni during the dry season was highly significant for both locations. The results of this study indicated that the analysis of MNE in B. henni could be recommended as a suitable method for in situ detection of environmental genotoxins. | La producción agrícola de monocultivo permanente de banano y plátano en la parte media del Río Grande (Turbo - Antioquia) requiere de la aplicación de diferentes plaguicidas. Prácticas inapropiadas en la producción y cultivos de plátano realizadas en esta región a menudo conllevan a contaminación con agroquímicos que llegan a este cuerpo de agua por procesos de lixiviación y escorrentía. Los peces son los vertebrados más utilizados como especies bioindicadoras de la calidad del agua porque son muy sensibles a la presencia de contaminantes en el ambiente. El objetivo de esta investigación fue comparar la frecuencia de eritrocitos micronucleados (EMN) en sangre periférica de ejemplares de peces sabaleta (Brycon henni) procedentes de dos estaciones del Río Grande que difieren en su grado de contaminación por agroquímicos. Se evaluó la frecuencia de EMN en sangre periférica de peces B. henni procedentes de cada estación durante dos épocas de lluvia de 2010 y dos época secas de 2011. Las muestras de sangre fueron obtenidas de la vena caudal, fijadas durante 24 horas y luego teñidas con Giemsa. La frecuencia de EMN fue significativamente mayor en el área impactada por agroquímicos. La frecuencia media de EMN fue mayor en la estación con impacto directo de agroquímicos (0.15±0.18) que en la estación poco alterada (0.06±0.08). Además, la frecuencia de EMN en B. henni fue significativamente mayor en la época seca. Los resultados de este estudio indican que el análisis de las EMN en B. henni puede ser recomendada como un método adecuado para la detección in situ de agentes genotóxicos en el ambiente.

ABSTRACT: The permanent monoculture of bananas and plantains farming in the middle of Río Grande (Turbo - Antioquia) requires the application of a variety of pesticides. Inappropriate banana production practices in this region, have often led to waterbody pollution by agrochemicals from leachate and runoff processes. Currently, fish are the most common vertebrates used as bioindicators of water quality, because they are very sensitive to the presence of contaminants. Our main goal with this study was to compare the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) in peripheral blood specimens of fish Brycon henni, from two locations (polluted and unpolluted) in the Rio Grande. We evaluated the frequency of MNE in peripheral blood samples of fish B. henni from each location during two rainy seasons in 2010 and two dry seasons in 2011. Blood samples were collected, fixed for 24 h, and then were stained with Giemsa. Among results, we found that the median frequency of MNE was higher in the polluted site by agrochemical discharges (0.15±0.18), than in the unimpacted site (0.06±0.08). Furthermore, the frequency of MNE in B. henni during the dry season was highly significant for both locations. The results of this study indicated that the analysis of MNE in B. henni could be recommended as a suitable method for in situ detection of environmental genotoxins.

Em lavoura de arroz irrigado, é utilizada uma grande quantidade de agroquímicos que, dependendo da sua persistência a campo e toxicidade, podem contaminar corpos d’água e afetar organismos vivos. Com o objetivo de determinar o efeito de concentrações de campo dos herbicidas Clomazone, Quinclorac, Metsulfuron-methyl e Propanil na comunidade zooplanctônica (Cladocera, Copepoda e Rotifera), conduziu-se um experimento em viveiros de aqüicultura, de março a maio de 2005, na estação do outono. Nos dias 1&deg;, 2&deg;, 3&deg;, 7&deg;, 10&deg;, 18&deg;, 31&deg; e 51&deg; após a aplicação dos herbicidas, foram coletadas amostras de água para se determinarem parâmetros físico-químicos da água, concentração dos herbicidas e comunidade zooplanctônica. Os parâmetros médios da qualidade da água foram: oxigênio dissolvido (3,5mg L-1), temperatura (20,1&deg;C), pH (6,0), dureza total (18mg L-1 de CaCO3) e alcalinidade total (9mg L-1 de CaCO3). A ordem decrescente de persistência dos herbicidas na água foi Clomazone = Quinclorac > Propanil > Metsulfuron-methyl, com média de 31, 31, 10 e 7 dias, respectivamente. Os resultados indicaram que os herbicidas provocaram poucas alterações na densidade de organismos dos grupos Rotifera e Copepoda (Adulto e Nauplio). A densidade do grupo Cladocera permaneceu baixa para todo o período experimental.<br>In the rice paddy field it is used a large amount of agrochemical that, depending on their field persistence and toxicity, can contaminate water bodies and may affect living organism. With the objective of determining the effect of field concentrations of Clomazone, Quinclorac, Metsulfuron-methyl and Propanil herbicides on zooplankton community (Cladocers, Copepods and Rotifers), it was carried an experiment in aquaculture ponds, during March to May 2005, in autumn season. In the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 18th, 31th and 51th days after the herbicides application, water samples were collected to evaluate the physical chemical water parameters, herbicides concentration and zooplankton community. The water physical chemical parameters means were: dissolved oxygen (3.5mg L-1), temperature (20.1&deg;C), pH (6.0), total hardness (18mg L-1 CaCO3) and total alkalinity (9mg L-1 CaCO3). The decreasing of herbicides persistence in water was: Clomazone = Quinclorac > Propanil > Metsulfuron-methyl with average of 31, 31, 10 and 7 days, respectively. The results indicated that the herbicides provoke little alteration in density of Rotifers and, Copepods (Adults and Nauplii). The Cladocers group density remained low for the whole experiment period.

Resumen: La aplicación de productos químicos para el control de plagas es uno de los métodos más usados en la agricultura a nivel mundial a pesar de tener efectos adversos sobre los humanos y el ambiente. Este es un tema de interés por el número creciente de productos químicos y su toxicidad. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron identificar los plaguicidas más comercializados dentro de la cuenca del río Ayuquila-Armería (México) y determinar su concentración en el agua superficial. La hipótesis de este trabajo fue que el sistema actual de producción agrícola en la cuenca está provocando la degradación de la calidad de agua debido a la presencia de una amplia variedad de plaguicidas. Para el primer objetivo se visitaron 27 expendios de plaguicidas ubicados en las principales cabeceras municipales en la cuenca; obteniéndose un total de 143 ingredientes activos comercializados, principalmente de origen químico. Para el segundo objetivo se realizaron dos muestreos en temporada de estiaje y dos en la de lluvias, en 30 sitios distribuidos en la cuenca. Los sitios de muestreo fueron elegidos de forma dirigida de acuerdo a la problemática de contaminación existente y tratando de cubrir las zonas agrícolas más grandes dentro de la cuenca. Los análisis se hicieron con cromatografía de líquidos acoplada a espectrometría de masas-masas. Los resultados mostraron que el 66% de las muestras presentaron al menos un plaguicida. Los plaguicidas más frecuentes fueron ametrina, dimetoato y diazinón. Los sitios que presentaron mayor número de plaguicidas en los cuatro muestreos fueron Palo Blanco, Antes Manantlán, Tuxcacuesco y Ayuquila. Los sitios cercanos a la zona de agricultura intensiva presentaron número mayor de plaguicidas que aquellos ubicados en zonas con agricultura de secano. Este estudio es el primero en analizar la presencia de plaguicidas en aguas superficiales en la cuenca. | Summary: The application of chemical products for pest control is one of the most widely used methods in agriculture worldwide despite their adverse effects on humans and the environment. This is a topic of interest due to the growing number of chemical products and their toxicity. The objectives of this research were to identify the most commercialized pesticides in the Ayuquila-Armería River basin (Mexico) and to determine their concentration in the surface water of the basin. The hypothesis of this work was that the current system of agricultural production in the basin is causing degradation of water quality due to the presence of a wide variety of pesticides. For the first objective, we visited 27 outlets of pesticides located in the main municipal capitals within the basin, obtaining a total of 143 commercialized active ingredients, mainly of chemical origin. For the second objective, we carried out two samplings in the dry season and two in the rainy season, in 30 sites distributed within the basin. The sampling sites were chosen in a directed way according to the problem of existing contamination and trying to cover the largest agricultural areas within the basin. The analyses were carried out through liquid chromatography coupled to mass-mass spectrometry. The results showed that 66% of the samples contained at least one pesticide. The most frequent pesticides were ametrine, dimethoate and diazinon. The sites that presented the highest number of pesticides in the four samplings were Palo Blanco, Antes Manantlán, Tuxcacuesco and Ayuquila. The sites near the area of intensive agriculture had a higher number of pesticides than those located in areas with rainfed agriculture. This study is the first to analyze the presence of pesticides in surface waters of the basin.

The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of different soil tillage methods on the loss of heavy metals by erosion, and to evaluate the level of contamination in sediments and water from the main stream in Caetés watershed, Paty do Alferes County, Rio de Janeiro. The experiment was conducted from December 1996 to March 1997, and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was the cultivated crop. Four Wichmeier plots were installed, with an area of 22 x 4 m. The following treatments were used: (a) tillage with machinery and operation down hill and burning of the grassland (MAQ); (b) tillage with machinery and operation down and without burning of grassland between lines of crop (MANQ); (c) tillage with animal traction and following the natural contour of the hill, strip cropping grass each 7 m (AA); and minimum tillage (CM). Heavy metal concentrations were also determined in the samples of sediments and water from the main Caetés watershed stream. The highest losses of heavy metals by erosion were in the MAQ treatment. The bottom stream sediments showed an increase in the total concentration of Cd, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn, according to the sampling position, upstream and downstream, showed Cd, Mn and Pb concentration above the maximum limits established for tap water. The results obtained allowed to conclude that the intensive use of agrochemicals associated with the high soil losses by erosion can determine serious risks of contamination of the water from the main stream in Caetés watershed, which is used by animals and for irrigation. | Este trabalho teve por objetivos determinar a influência de diferentes métodos de preparo do solo sobre as perdas por erosão de metais pesados e avaliar a contaminação dos sedimentos e da água do córrego principal da microbacia de Caetés, município de Paty do Alferes (RJ). A avaliação foi realizada durante os meses de dezembro de 1996 a março de 1997, no ciclo de cultivo do pepino (Cucumis sativus L ). Foram utilizadas parcelas do tipo Wischmeier, de tamanho de 22,0 x 4,0 m. Os tratamentos utilizados foram os seguintes: (a) aração com trator morro abaixo e queimado (MAQ); (b) aração com trator morro abaixo não queimado com restos de vegetação natural entre as linhas (MANQ); (c) aração com tração animal em nível, faixas de capim-colonião a cada 7,0 m (AA), e (d) cultivo mínimo, com preparo de covas em nível (CM). Avaliaram-se também os teores desses metais nos sedimentos de fundo e na água do córrego principal que drena a microbacia de Caetés. As perdas mais elevadas de metais pesados por erosão foram verificadas no tratamento MAQ, típico da região. Os sedimentos e a água do córrego da microbacia de Caetés mostraram incrementos nos teores totais de Cd, Ni, Pb, Zn e Mn de acordo com a posição de coleta na área. A água coletada no córrego e no açude apresentou concentrações de Cd, Mn e Pb acima dos padrões máximos estabelecidos para água potável. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho permitem concluir que o uso intensivo de agroquímicos e as elevadas perdas de solo por erosão podem acarretar sérios riscos de contaminação da água do córrego da microbacia que é utilizada pelos animais e para irrigação.

Agricultural contamination of groundwater in northwestern Mississippi, USA, has not been studied extensively, and subsurface fluxes of agricultural chemicals have been presumed minimal. To determine the factors controlling transport of nitrate-N into the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, a study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 to estimate fluxes of water and solutes for a site in the Bogue Phalia basin (1,250 km2). Water-quality data were collected from a shallow water-table well, a vertical profile of temporary sampling points, and a nearby irrigation well. Nitrate was detected within 4.4 m of the water table but was absent in deeper waters with evidence of reducing conditions and denitrification. Recharge estimates from 6.2 to 10.9 cm/year were quantified using water-table fluctuations, a Cl– tracer method, and atmospheric age-tracers. A mathematical advection-reaction model predicted similar recharge to the aquifer, and also predicted that 15% of applied nitrogen is leached into the saturated zone. With current denitrification and application rates, the nitrate-N front is expected to remain in shallow groundwater, less than 6–9 m deep. Increasing application rates resulting from intensifying agricultural demands may advance the nitrate-N front to 16–23 m, within the zone of groundwater pumping.