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Study Highlights Risks of Neonicotinoids in Minnesota Drinking Water
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), have published a new study indicating significant levels of neonicotinoid insecticides in certain groundwater and surface water sources within Minnesota. These findings raise concerns regarding potential contamination of drinking water supplies.
Individuals who utilize shallow groundwater or natural springs for their drinking water appear to face a greater risk of exposure to these harmful insecticides, compared to those relying on deeper groundwater wells. The study reveals that the presence of neonicotinoids may also negatively affect aquatic organisms living in streams nourished by these springs.
This research was detailed in the peer-reviewed journal Science of the Total Environment, contributing to the growing body of literature focused on the environmental impact of agricultural practices.
The use of insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids, has surged in agriculture over recent decades, leading to increased instances of water contamination. This has prompted growing concerns about the implications for human health and the well-being of pollinating species such as bees and butterflies.
In Minnesota, a considerable portion of drinking water is derived from groundwater sources. Monitoring the concentration of neonicotinoids could play a pivotal role in informing water treatment facilities on what contaminants to screen for and filter out.
The researchers conducted an extensive examination of neonicotinoid levels in both surface and groundwater throughout Minnesota, exploring various factors that contribute to contamination. Over a four-year period, spanning from 2019 to 2022, the DNR took water samples from 15 natural springs and 75 unique wells across 13 counties, allowing for comparisons between urban and rural areas.
By analyzing a wide range of geographical locations and chemical concentrations at different depths, the study uncovered that natural springs are particularly vulnerable to neonicotinoid contamination.
“Many people mistakenly assume that the water from a natural spring is always safe for consumption,” noted Bill Arnold, a professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering. “The safety of that water can heavily depend on its source depth.”
Neonicotinoids can enter the environment through various pathways, not just through direct application. Rainfall runoff and melting snow are significant contributors to the movement of these chemicals into both ground and surface water sources. The researchers successfully mapped varying classes of neonicotinoids across the state.
“This study is a crucial first step in pinpointing pollutants within our water resources, particularly in less anticipated areas like natural springs,” Arnold explained. “In Minnesota, we utilize a vast amount of these insecticides – nearly every corn and soybean seed is treated before planting, not to mention their availability for home use in pest control.”
Although the researchers anticipated detecting some levels of the insecticides in water, the concentrations found in natural springs and the deeper levels in wells exceeded their expectations.
As a continuation of this research, the team is working with state and county agencies to add neonicotinoids to water treatment monitoring lists. They aim to educate watershed districts on the impact and presence of these insecticides while collaborating with the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. Their goal includes enhancing stormwater management techniques in urban settings, particularly through biofiltration methods that can effectively eliminate pollutants.
The team involved in this significant study consists of Bill Arnold, retired adjunct associate professor Paul Capel, former research assistant Grant Goedjen, and John Barry from the DNR’s Division of Ecological and Water Resources.
This research was funded through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENTRF), as recommended by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The ENRTF is a vital funding source dedicated to the conservation and protection of Minnesota’s valuable natural resources.
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