Aldicarb-pesticide contamination of ground water in eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, New York
Water-Resources Investigations Report
84-4251
By: Julian Soren and W. G. Stelz
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Abstract
Aldicarb, a toxic oxime-carbamate pesticide that was believed incapable of reaching ground water, was used in potato-farming areas of eastern Suffolk County, New York during 1975-80. In 1979, aldicarb was found in substantial concentrations in ground water throughout the area. The New York State Department of Health set a limit of 7 micrograms per liter for aldicarb in drinking water. Extensive ground-water sampling into 1980 showed widespread contamination ranging from small amounts to as much as 515 micrograms per liter. In 1980, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of aldicarb on Long Island at the manufacturer 's request. A 1982 sampling study found aldicarb to have penetrated to about 40 feet below the water table in concentrations ranging from below detection limit to 239 micrograms per liter. Despite reputed toxicity, no instance of aldicarb poisoning on Long Island has been documented. The excessive aldicarb concentrations in the ground water of eastern Long Island may persist for decades; the duration has not been precisely determined and remains under investigation. (USGS)
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Aldicarb-pesticide contamination of ground water in eastern Suffolk County, Long Island, New York |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 84-4251 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri844251 |
| Edition | - |
| Year Published | 1984 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | vi, 40 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm. |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |