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Aldicarb-pesticide contamination of ground water in eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, New York

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4251
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844251

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Abstract

Aldicarb, a toxic oxime-carbamate pesticide that was believed incapable of reaching ground water, was used in potato-farming areas of eastern Suffolk County, New York during 1975-80. In 1979, aldicarb was found in substantial concentrations in ground water throughout the area. The New York State Department of Health set a limit of 7 micrograms per liter for aldicarb in drinking water. Extensive ground-water sampling into 1980 showed widespread contamination ranging from small amounts to as much as 515 micrograms per liter. In 1980, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of aldicarb on Long Island at the manufacturer 's request. A 1982 sampling study found aldicarb to have penetrated to about 40 feet below the water table in concentrations ranging from below detection limit to 239 micrograms per liter. Despite reputed toxicity, no instance of aldicarb poisoning on Long Island has been documented. The excessive aldicarb concentrations in the ground water of eastern Long Island may persist for decades; the duration has not been precisely determined and remains under investigation. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Soren, J., and Stelz, W., 1984, Aldicarb-pesticide contamination of ground water in eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4251, vi, 40 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844251.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Aldicarb-pesticide contamination of ground water in eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, New York
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4251
DOI 10.3133/wri844251
Year Published 1984
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description vi, 40 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details