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TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES IN TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS: AN ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDE RUNOFF IN SOUTH FLORIDA ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEMS
Citation:
Scott, G. I., M. H. Fulton, E. F. Wirth, G. T. Chandler, P. B. Key, J. W. Daugomah, D. W. Bearden, E. D. Strozier, A. R. Dias, M. Sanders, J M. Macauley, L R. Goodman, M. LaCroix, G. Thayer, AND J. Kucklick. TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES IN TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS: AN ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDE RUNOFF IN SOUTH FLORIDA ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEMS. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 55(15):4400-4408, (2002).
Description:
A multi-year study in the C-111 canal and associated sites in Florida Bay was undertaken in order to determine the potential contaminant risk that exists in South Florida. After examining extensive surface water data, as well as sediment, tissue, and semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs), canal contamination seems to be derived from the extensive agricultural production that drains into the C-111 canal. The results of this study indicate that runoff from agricultural fields led to quantifiable pesticide residues found in both canal and bay surface water, at levels that occasionally exceeded current water quality criteria. The major pesticide of
concern was determined to be endosulfan, which was detected at 100% of the sites sampled. The decision to alter the C-111 canal flow and allow increased freshwater flow into the adjacent Everglades National Park may result in discharges of pesticides into the Everglades. Continued monitoring in this area is needed during this change in flow regime.