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Development of an aquatic pesticide toxicity index for use in Alberta

Description

This report describes the development and application of an index to assess potential toxicity risk to aquatic life of co-occurring pesticides in surface waters. The index utilizes ambient... More ≫

Description

This report describes the development and application of an index to assess potential toxicity risk to aquatic life of co-occurring pesticides in surface waters. The index utilizes ambient pesticide concentrations measured as part of Alberta Environment monitoring and published acute toxicity endpoints determined in laboratory tests.

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Overview of pesticide data in Alberta surface waters since 1995

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) has measured pesticides in surface waters since the mid-1980’s and reports on pesticide concentrations in surface waters as part of its evaluation and reporting... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) has measured pesticides in surface waters since the mid-1980’s and reports on pesticide concentrations in surface waters as part of its evaluation and reporting responsibilities. In 1995 the approach to pesticide monitoring was updated to link ambient monitoring to pesticide sale records. Every five years provincial pesticide sales data, information on pesticide behaviour and toxicity, and results of surface water monitoring programs, are reviewed to priorize active ingredients that need to be monitored in surface waters. The overall objective of this report is to provide an overview of the extent and nature of pesticide contamination in Alberta’s surface waters. The overview covers all data from 1995 to 2002 inclusive that are stored on the AENV Water Data System.

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Determination of new pesticides in Alberta's surface waters (1999-2000)

Description

This two-year project was initiated in 1999 with the following objectives: 1) To identify pesticides that are used intensively on locally grown specialty crops (such as corn, sugar beets,... More ≫

Description

This two-year project was initiated in 1999 with the following objectives: 1) To identify pesticides that are used intensively on locally grown specialty crops (such as corn, sugar beets, potatoes) and have not been monitored, or new pesticides that are used broadly across the province; and 2) To implement a sampling program to determine, at a scoping level, the occurrence and concentration of these chemicals in surface waters.

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Baseline pesticide data for semi-permanent wetlands in the Aspen Parkland of Alberta

Description

Semi-permanent wetlands in the Aspen Parkland eco-region are important habitat for migratory waterfowl and offer valuable habitat for pairing and brood rearing. A water quality study was conducted... More ≫

Description

Semi-permanent wetlands in the Aspen Parkland eco-region are important habitat for migratory waterfowl and offer valuable habitat for pairing and brood rearing. A water quality study was conducted to establish pesticide baseline data for these wetlands. A second objective of this study was to evaluate, at a scoping level, the potential importance of atmospheric loading of pesticides to these wetlands. The literature documents the importance of overland runoff as a pathway of pesticide movement to surface waters, but increasing evidence also points to the importance of atmospheric deposition.

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Pesticides in ambient air in Alberta

Description

During this study pesticides were measured at four selected sites. These sites were chosen in consultation with Alberta Environment personnel based on various criteria including geographical... More ≫

Description

During this study pesticides were measured at four selected sites. These sites were chosen in consultation with Alberta Environment personnel based on various criteria including geographical location in the province, pesticide sales data from across the province and use patterns in various pesticides used in the province to control target insects, weeds and plant diseases.

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Ecological relevance of pesticide residues in Alberta surface waters : an evaluation based on toxicity testing

Description

Low concentrations (ng/L to μg/L range) of many different pesticides are present in Alberta surface waters. The environmental significance of the presence of low levels of pesticides is unclear... More ≫

Description

Low concentrations (ng/L to μg/L range) of many different pesticides are present in Alberta surface waters. The environmental significance of the presence of low levels of pesticides is unclear particularly because water quality guidelines (if available) apply only to single compounds and not mixtures. The objective was to assess the toxicity of pesticide mixtures to species representative of major trophic levels in aquatic systems. Pesticides were selected based on the frequency of detection in Alberta surface waters, relative concentration, and availability of information (toxicity data).

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Pesticides in Alberta surface waters

Description

A study carried out under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (CAESA). The purpose of this scoping-level study was to determine if agricultural pesticides... More ≫

Description

A study carried out under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (CAESA). The purpose of this scoping-level study was to determine if agricultural pesticides currently sold and used in large quantities across Alberta were detectable in small streams and lakes and to compare their concentrations with CWQG for the protection of aquatic life and for irrigation.

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Impacts of agriculture on surface water quality in Alberta

Description

Part 1 -The Haynes Creek Study was one of three studies funded under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture agreement (CAESA) to describe the effects of agriculture on surface... More ≫

Description

Part 1 -The Haynes Creek Study was one of three studies funded under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture agreement (CAESA) to describe the effects of agriculture on surface waters in Alberta. This study was conducted in the Haynes Creek watershed to determine if runoff from cattle wintering grounds and from cultivated fields had a direct, measurable influence on stream water quality. The Haynes Creek watershed (east of the city of Red Deer) was selected because it was considered representative of very intensive agricultural activity on a landscape sensitive to water erosion. Part 2 - The Provincial Stream Survey was one of three studies funded under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture agreement (CAESA) to describe the effects of agriculture on surface waters in Alberta. This study was conducted to determine if there are relationships between the agricultural intensity in the drainage basins and water quality of streams. Part 3 - Federal...

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