Distribution and retention of atrazine and carbofuran in farm pond ecosystems

The distribution and retention of atrazine and carbofuran in farm ponds were examined after application of 0.3 ppm of atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-S-triazine] for two years and 0.025 ppm of carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate) the first year and 0.050 ppm for the second year. Samples of water, mud, and various biological components for the systems were collected periodically for residue analyses by gas chromatography. Soon after atrazine was applied, it was found in all physical and biological components. No biological magnification was observed. Carbofuran showed up only in the water and mud immediately after application; from then on it was absent from all components. No adverse effects from either pesticide were observed in the biological components.Supported in part by North Central Regional Project NC-96, Environmental implications of pesticide usage, and the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506.