Pesticide Contamination of Surface Waters by Sugar Cane Farming in Louisiana

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Abstract
Agricultural, hyrological, and water quality studies were conducted in Louisiana during the years 1961, 1962, and in 1964 to determine the methods, extent, and duration of surface water contamination by endrin used in sugar cane agriculture. In 1961, a maximum of 360 parts per trillion (ppt) of endrin was recovered from water by carbon adsorption (sample volumes of 1,000 to 5,000 gallons). Endrin was recovered from each of the six streams sampled, indicating that its use resulted in contamination of adjacent streams. Three of the streams were sampled at sites of fish kills attributed to endrin. Endrin was also recovered from the water of treatment plants utilizing two of these streams as sources of supply. In 1964, use of a more efficient carbon adsorption sample size of 100 gallons resulted in a maximum recovery of 700 ppt endrin while up to 820 ppt were obtained from 1‐gallon grab samples. Surface runoff from fields was the main source of endrin contamination. Largest recoveries from the streams occurred after the first precipitation and runoff following applications to the fields. After that amounts recovered dropped rapidly. Residuals of endrin persisting in the soil frown one agricultural season to the next may contribute small quantities to the water whenever runoff occurs. In addition to endrin, pesticides not used in sugar cane agriculture including dieldrin, BHC, and DDT were recovered from surface waters. Concentrations of dieldrin up to 1,360 ppt, BHC to 73 ppt, and DDT to 24 ppt were recovered.

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