Effects of herbicide glyphosate and glyphosate-based formulations on aquatic ecosystems

PÉREZ G. L.; VERA M. S.; MIRANDA L. A.

Herbicides and Environment

InTech

Año: 2011; p. 343 - 368

Public awareness of the proved and potential adverse effects of herbicides increasing use has been growing over the past decades. Herbicides may reach water bodies via agricultural runoff and leaching processes, as well as by direct applications to control noxious aquatic weeds. Once in the aquatic ecosystems, herbicides may reduce environmental quality and influence essential ecosystem functioning by reducing species diversity and community structures; modifying food chains; changing patterns of energy flow and nutrient cycling and changing the stability and resilience of ecosystems. The intent of this chapter is to provide a general notion of the current knowledge concerning the direct and indirect effects of the technical-grade glyphosate and glyphosate formulations on aquatic ecosystems. Here we described the dynamic of glyphosate dissipation in relationship with paedology and natural water chemistry. We also made a revision of the toxicity to non-target species of zooplankton, fishes, and amphibians. In addition, we focused on reported changes in the structure and functioning of microbial primary producers (phytoplankton and periphyton) under glyphosate exposure; emphasizing the importance of studying these key communities.With this information, a conceptual framework can be developed that may contribute to enhance our attention and concern about human impacts on ecosystems.