Ecological safety of paraquat with particular reference to soil

The safety of the environment is examined, with particular reference to crops and other organisms living in the soil. The examination uses both toxicity and exposure, which is a key principle to assessing the potential risks of chemicals on a scientific basis. As a result, paraquat has a low impact...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPlanter (Malaysia) Vol. 73; no. 858
Main Author Dyson, J.S. (ZENECA Agrochemicals, Jealott's Hill Research Station, Bracknell, Berkshire (United Kingdom))
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.09.1997
Subjects
ADSORCION
ADSORPTION
CROPS
CULTIVOS
DEGRADACION
DEGRADATION
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONNEMENT
MEDIO AMBIENTE
PARACUAT
PARAQUAT
PLANTE DE CULTURE
RESIDU
RESIDUES
RESIDUOS
SAFETY
SECURITE
SEGURIDAD
SOIL
SOL
SUELO
TOXICIDAD
TOXICITE
TOXICITY
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Summary:The safety of the environment is examined, with particular reference to crops and other organisms living in the soil. The examination uses both toxicity and exposure, which is a key principle to assessing the potential risks of chemicals on a scientific basis. As a result, paraquat has a low impact on non-target organisms in both terresterial and acquatic environments, and does not bioaccumulate. In soil, the rapid adsorption and strong binding of paraquat to soil reduce exposure to paraquat massively, ensuring that crops are not harmed and do not contain residues of paraquat. Paraquat is the only residue of concern because the intermediate metabolites are never present in large quantities. While adsorption to soil slows down the degradation rate of paraquat compared to that occuring on leaf surfaces, it does not result in the indefinite increase of paraquat residues in soil form the continued use of paraquat. The residues of paraquat remain in soil not posing a significant risk to the environment, and not moving to surface water or groundwater by runnoff or leaching. Overall, the safety and benefits of using paraquat as a herbicide, particularly as an integral part of soil conservation management, mean that it will continue to be used extensively throughout the world.
Bibliography:T01
1998050012
ISSN:0126-575X