Atrazine Detection in Subsurface Tile Drainage

Charlotte J. Beal
Sehool of Science and Natural Resources
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783


Abstract. Herbicide contamination is a concern in rural communities drinking water
supply. Atrazine is commonly used as an herbicide in the midwest for control of
broadleaves and grasses in maize crops. Subsurface tile drainage is the major contributor
to the contamination of surface groundwater. As the tiles drain the fields, they carry
sediment, fertilizer, and herbicides directly into streams, ditches, and ponds. During the
period of March-July 1995, I collected samples once a month from 10 sites in Lenawee
County, Michigan. These samples were stored in amber glass bottles at 4 C until
analyzed. They were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
to detect the amount of atrazine present in ppb. The current maximum level allowed in
drinking water is 3ppb. It was found that the highest levels of atrazine were present
during April and May, the time of herbicide application. A few samples still had atrazine
present in July, which cannot be thoroughly explained at this time.


Selected References

Dewey Sharon L. 1986. Effects of the herbicide Atrazine on aquatic insect community
structure and emergence. Ecology. 67: 148-162.

Jayachandran, K., T. R. Steinheimer, L. Somasundaram, T. B. Moorman, R. S. Kanwar,
& J. R. Coats. 1994. Occurrence of Atrazine and degradates as contaminants of
subsurface drainage and shallow groundwater. Journal of Environmental Quality.
23: 311-319.