Western Lake Erie has been experiencing increasing dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) loads since 1995, the causes of which are poorly understood. Changing agricultural practices are certain to have an effect on DRP loads. One recent change in particular has been the increasing use of the phosphonate herbicide glyphosate (RoundUp<sup>®</sup>). Glyphosate is known to displace phosphate from soil particles, potentially increasing DRP concentrations and loads. This study links glyphosate to the observed increase in Maumee River DRP loads since 1994 by examining phosphate desorption from Maumee River watershed soil samples in equilibration with glyphosate solutions. A geospatial model was constructed to quantify DRP losses across the watershed. From this, the contribution of glyphosate to increased DRP loads can be determined. Glyphosate’s widespread usage contributes to DRP loadings and eutrophication in Western Lake Erie. These findings also suggest that glyphosate contributes to increased DRP loads in freshwater systems worldwide.

Glyphosate as an underlying cause of increased dissolved reactive phosphorus loading in the Western Lake Erie basin

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.