New study: Glyphosate source in Europe's waters surprisingly discovered
New study: Glyphosate source in Europe's waters surprisingly discovered
new knowledge about glyphosate in water
A recently carried out study by the University of Tübingen has caused a sensation by questioning the assumptions about the origin of glyphosate in European waters. Instead of stating mainly from the agricultural use of herbicides, glyphosate may also be initiated into the rivers by sources close to home.
origin of the study and methodology
The team led by Professor Carolin Huhn has carried out a comprehensive meta-analysis of data records provided by various water protection authorities in Europe and the USA. The data spanned over two decades, partly back to 1997. This allows researchers to observe and analyze seasonal concentrations of glyphosate in several European rivers.
The role of detergents in glyphosatia
A central result of this analysis was to determine that the high glyphosate values in the summer months cannot be caused exclusively by agricultural activities. Instead, the strongly seasonal variation of the values indicates that household wasters play an important role. This could indicate that chemical substances such as aminopolyphosphonates, often contain in detergents, are converted into glyphosate in the sewage sludge.
The dispute setting of the data
The researchers explain that this hypothesis results from the analysis of non -explanatory data. If one assumes that glyphosate is not only caused by agricultural use, but also from a chemical conversion into sewage treatment plants, many of the previous ambiguities can be clarified. The detailed analysis shows that a dominant entry in water from households must be made even without the use of herbicides.
meaning for environmental and health policy
These new findings have far-reaching implications for environmental and health policy in Europe. The results suggest that existing reduction strategies for glyphosate in agricultural applications may not be sufficient to effectively reduce the concentrations in water. This will probably trigger intensive discussions with the authorities how the monitoring and regulation of these chemicals can be improved.
health and industry in view
Professor Huhn points out that the identification of this new glyphosate source can also have a significant impact on industry, since companies now have to start rethinking their production processes. The regulatory view could generally change to take these new findings into account.
outlook and further procedure
The next steps include the implementation of independent studies to review this hypothesis and the discussion about possible measures to improve sewage treatment plants and their efficiency in the treatment of aminopolyphosphonates. The results could therefore have a decisive influence on future environmental strategies and fundamentally change the discussion about water management measures in Europe.
- Nag