Current status of pesticides application and their residue in the water environment in Ireland

Pesticides have been listed by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency as potentially dangerous pollutants that may pose a significant risk to the water environment in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Although this analysis of pesticides data was based on the existing pesticides application survey in ROI, this study aims to produce a geographical information system profile for the amount of pesticides used in agriculture and the distribution of their use in different parts of the country. The study identifies and reports on the six most widely used pesticides in ROI, they are MCPA, Glyphosate, Chlorothalonil, Mecoprop-P, Chlormequat and Mancozeb. More significantly, the study discusses the application of pesticides and their potential impact on the Irish water environment by examining the status of pesticide residue in the Irish water environment. Finally, the study surveys possible strategies for the removal of pesticides residues, with attention to some of the studies done worldwide.