Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Pesticides by Application of Three Risk Indicators

Abstract

This study compares three pesticide-risk indicators: 1) the environmental impact quotient (EIQ), 2) the toxicity, human health, and persistency hazard rating system (THP), and 3) the pesticide environmental risk indicator (PERI) to evaluate the environmental impacts of active ingredients in pesticides. Environmental risk scores were obtained and evaluated for commonly used pesticides in Kumluca region of Turkey. The risk scores of EIQ and THP were in good agreement. This study provides an example applicable in other areas where environmental measurements of pesticides are either unaffordable or not physically feasible. The selected pesticide risk indicators are easily applied and helpful tools for pest management practitioners. However, site specific components (surface runoff, particle transport processes, and spatial variability of pesticide transport in soil) and exposure of consumers to pesticide residues are missing in the selected indicators. Forensic methods and approaches could be applied in conjunction with existing indicator models to better understand pesticide fate and transport and improve their selection and application pattern.