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Use of pesticide simulation models for assessing pesticide contamination of surface and groundwater

Conference · · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:6466294

Two field scale hydrologic and pesticide routing models, CREAMS (Chemicals, Runoff, and Erosion in Agricultural Management Systems) and PRZM (Pesticide Root Zone Model) were used to predict average pesticide concentrations in storm flow and unsaturated subsurface flow after application of forestry herbicides and insecticides. Forest regions in the mountain, Piedmont, and coastal plain physiographic provinces of the South provide important stream sources and groundwater recharge zones for municipal water supplies. Increasing use of herbicides and insecticides in forest management has raised concerns about maintaining future water quality. Thus tools for assessing potential contamination from pesticide use are needed. CREAMS accurately predicted herbicide concentrations in storm flow in mountain watersheds for 2 months. But it is underestimated concentrations for the next 4 months when transport processes not accounted for in the model dominated actual residue movement. PRZM was likewise tested with actual field data on subsurface movement of herbicides in mountain regions and insecticides in deep sands of the coastal plain.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Georgia, Athens (USA)
OSTI ID:
6466294
Report Number(s):
CONF-8510489-
Journal Information:
Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Vol. 17; ISSN GAAPB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English