Use of satellite indicators to monitor the proximity of agro-industrial crops to urban and rural educational establishments over large areas

Abstract

The American continent is the largest producer of genetically modified crops worldwide, characterized by the massive use of pesticides and agrochemicals, of which numerous scientific studies and reports show risks to human health. The child-youth population living in these regions constitutes an age group with its own characteristics that make it more vulnerable to possible exposure to pesticide use. The use of satellite information on cloud platforms can facilitate the measurement and creation of exploratory indicators over large study areas to assess the degree of exposure in educational establishments. The objective of this research is to create and evaluate exploratory indicators of the proximity of intensive crops to educational establishments in central Argentina, using satellite spatial–temporal analysis methodologies. The study was conducted in the province of Córdoba (Argentina). A total of 2263 public and private sector educational institutions were selected, both urban and rural. Perimeter rings were created in each establishment, at different distances up to 2000 m from the periphery. Satellite data of active summer crops in the period 2016–2019 were calculated using the Google Earth Engine. Proximity indicators and crop coverage areas were created. Ninety-two per cent of the educational establishments analyzed have at least one crop field nearby within a radius of 2000 m. More than half of these have fields that are 500 m or less away. The peripheral occupation of crops in more than half of the educational establishments varies between 25 and 100% (in the entire ring). The establishments in dispersed rural areas would be the most exposed, with an average proximity to the first field of less than 180 m. Kindergartens and primary schools are closer and have a higher percentage of peripheral crops than the secondary and special education schools. Our research reveals a worrying panorama that combines the proximity of educational establishments to fields cultivated with GM crops; research that shows a higher degree of exposure to agricultural pesticide pollution and adverse health effects for this age group, and local regulations that allow their application close to educational establishments and cities where they carry out their main activities.