Laboratory measurements underestimate persistence of the aquatic herbicide fluridone in lakes
S. Frost, Amber White, Josie M. Jauquet, Angela M. Magness, Katherine D. McMahon, Christina K. Remucal
Abstract
); sorption accounts for 16% of fluridone loss in the microcosm experiments. While the laboratory results indicate that all three loss pathways can influence fluridone fate, these controlled studies oversimplify herbicide behavior due to their inability to replicate field conditions. Fluridone concentration measurements in a lake following commercial application demonstrate a half-life of >150 days, indicating that the herbicide is very persistent in water. This study illustrates why caution should be used when relying on laboratory studies to predict the fate of pesticides and other polar organic compounds in the environment.
Topics & Concepts
FluridonePersistence (discontinuity)Environmental sciencePesticidePhotodegradationEnvironmental chemistryEcologyBiologyChemistryEngineeringGeotechnical engineeringGeneAbscisic acidPhotocatalysisCatalysisBiochemistryPesticide and Herbicide Environmental StudiesEnvironmental Toxicology and EcotoxicologyPharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts