Abstract

During the summer of 2002, nine sprayers and seven tractors were tested for pesticide residue. The outside surface of all sprayers and tractors were cleaned with pesticide cleaning agent and high pressure washer. Samples of the cleaning water were analysed for the pesticides that were used on the farms during the previous spray season. Two sprayers were subjected to simulated rain to detect if pesticides are washed off by rain. Limited areas of the internal surfaces of three tractor cabins were cleaned with methanol to detect contamination. Results indicate that sprayers and tractors are contaminated during spraying. Pesticides can be washed off the outside of sprayers by rain. The cleaning of sprayers and tractors could cause point sources for contamination of the environment if the cleaning is done in a sensitive location. Internal surfaces of tractor cabins on all tractor cabins tested were contaminated with pesticide residue. The use of personal protective equipment is important, in addition, the tractor should be cleaned before further use. These preliminary results indicate a need for further research on measuring methods and on interpretation of results to quantify the extent of the contamination problem. Further research would determine methods and operating procedures that would eliminate cleaning of spray equipment as possible point sources of environmental contamination

Keywords

hantering av kemiska bekämpningsmedel; punktkällor

Published in

Rapport (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Institutionen för landskaps- och trädgårdsteknik)
2004, number: 2004:2
Publisher: Institutionen för landskaps- och trädgårdsteknik

SLU Authors

• Björkholm, Anna-Mia

  • Department of Landscape Management and Horticultural Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Svensson, Sven Axel

  • Department of Landscape Management and Horticultural Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Food Science
Agricultural Science
Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/3798