Treatment of Seasonal Pesticides in Surface Waters

Abstract

Numerous pesticides were monitored in surface waters in agricultural areas. Atrazine, alachlor, metolachlor, cyanazine, metribuzin, carbofuran, linuron, and simazine were found in the influent to three water treatment plants in stormwater runoff. Studies at these plants, together with bench‐scale studies, demonstrated poor control by conventional treatment processes. The relatively high adsorption capacities of these agrichemicals indicate that granular activated carbon can be cost effective for their control. Powdered activated carbon applied at dosages used for the control of tastes and odors can also be effective if moderate percent removal is required.