Main factors of pesticide transport towards surface waters

Abstract

Since several decades, numerous studies have analyzed the processes of water contamination by pesticides. They have led to the understanding of the main contamination pathways both at the field scale, at which the pesticide is applicated, and at the catchment scale, at which the water resource forms. The factors of pesticide transfer to surface and ground waters are well known from a qualitative point of view. This paper reviews the main factors. But the quantification of the effects of these transfer factors and of their interactions remains partial and requires to be carried on. This is essential both for evaluating the contamination risks linked with various forms of agricultural land management and for seeking new management practices that will control water contamination in given agricultural and hydrological environments.