Pesticides in Ground Water of Central and Western Maryland
Fact Sheet
2008-3068
Prepared in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Agriculture
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Abstract
Selected pesticides and degradates (products of pesticide degradation) are detectable in ground water in many parts of central and western Maryland, although concentrations are generally less than 0.1 micrograms per liter. Ground-water samples collected recently (1994-2003) from 72 wells in areas of Maryland underlain by consolidated carbonate, crystalline, or siliciclastic aquifers (areas north and west of the Fall Line) were analyzed for selected pesticides and degradates. Pesticides were typically detected in mixtures of multiple compounds in ground water, and degradates were commonly detected, often at greater concentrations than their respective parent compounds. No pesticides were observed at concentrations greater than established standards for drinking water, and nearly all observed concentrations were below other health-based guidelines. Although such standards and guidelines are generally much greater than measured concentrations in ground water, they do not exist for many detected compounds (particularly degradates), or for mixtures of multiple compounds. The distribution of pesticides and degradates in ground water is related to application practices, as well as chemical and environmental factors that affect the fate and movement of individual compounds.
Suggested Citation
Ator, S.W., Reyes, B., 2008, Pesticides in Ground Water of Central and Western Maryland: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2008-3068, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20083068.
ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Pesticides in Ground Water of Central and Western Maryland |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 2008-3068 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20083068 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Contributing office(s) | Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Water Science Center |
| Description | 6 p. |