Survey of Rural Wells in Missouri for Pesticides and Nitrate |
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| Authors: | Dennis M Sievers Charles D Fulhage |
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| Institution: | Dennis M. Sievers is professor of agricultural engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia (211 Agricultural Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211). He received his B.S. from the University of Nebraska and his M.S. and Ph.D. (environmental engineering) from the University of Missouri. He teaches and conducts research in non-point pollution, water quality, and natural waste treatment systems.;Charles D. Fulhage is associate professor and extension agricultural engineer at the University of Missouri-Columbia (230 Agricultural Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211). He received his B.S. in grain science from Kansas State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from the University of Missouri. He has been a livestock waste management extension specialist since 1973. |
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| Abstract: | Two hundred and one rural wells were sampled in eight agricultural areas of Missouri. Samples were analyzed for 25 pesticides and nitrate. Forty-three percent of the wells sampled had at least one pesticide detection. Thirteen percent of the wells had at least one detection ≧ 1 ppb and these concentrations were confirmed. Only one well exceeded U.S. EPA Health Advisory levels. Twenty-two percent of the wells exceeded the U.S. EPA Drinking Water Standard for nitrate. Pesticide detections were most strongly correlated to well depth. Nitrate levels were primarily related to well depth, well construction methods, and well siting. |
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