Atrazine and nitrates in the drinking ground water of the Chamusca agricultural area (Portugal)

Abstract

An evaluation of the potential to reach the ground water compartment of the main applied pesticides in maize fields of the Chamusca agricultural area have indicated atrazine as the most probable contaminant. The use of nitrogen fertilizers in the aforementioned irrigated area also suggested a possible presence of nitrates in ground water. Results of atrazine and nitrate levels in drinking ground water of four locations in the studied area are reported. Residues were detected in three locations and in one of them levels were found above the maximum acceptable concentrations defined by the European Community. The simultaneous presence of atrazine and nitrates in the most affected site suggests a potential health risk.