Spatial distribution of ecotoxicological risk derived from the use of organophosphate pesticides in the Lower Valley of the Neuquen River, Argentina

LILIANA B. MONZA; CECILIA DUFILHO; LORENA A. LATINI; MARÍA M. INDACO; RUTH M. LOEWY

Vienna

Conferencia; RLA 7019; 2014

IAEA

The aim of the present study is to provide the spatial distribution of theecotoxicological risk resulting from pesticide application within anagricultural sub-catchment in the Neuquen River Valley, in the northernregion of Argentine Patagonia. The study area comprises about 100 ha ofapple and pear production, located in the alluvial plain of the NeuquenRiver. Irrigation in the region is performed by periodic flooding andexcess water is driven to the river by a network of low flow drainagechannels. Pesticide residue analyses were carried out between October2008 and December 2013. Water samples were collected from thirteengeoreferenced sampling sites, including the irrigation channel as areference, the drainage channels and artificial wells.