The extent to which glyphosate use in the home and garden sector may contribute to surface water contamination has not previously been quantified. This study quantified the widely-used herbicide, glyphosate, and its degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in surface water drains (storm drains) that could be attributed to amateur usage alone. Maximum glyphosate and AMPA concentrations in surface water drains were 8.99 and 1.15 �g/L respectively after the first rain event following the main application period, but concentrations rapidly declined to <1.5 �g/L glyphosate and < 0.5 �g/L AMPA. The AMPA:glyphosate ratio was typically 0.35. Less than 1% of the applied glyphosate was recovered in drain water. Glyphosate and AMPA losses from urban areas arising solely from amateur usage have been quantified. Despite over-dosing occurring, glyphosate concentrations in drain flow were lower than concentrations reported elsewhere from professional use in urban areas.

Contribution of household herbicide usage to glyphosate and its degradate, AMPA, in surface water drains

248th National Meeting (2014)

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