Publication: Modelling Relationship between Soil Permeability and Organic Carbon in Pesticide Transport into Groundwater
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2015-09-29
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Abstract
Groundwater contamination by pesticides is an
environmental health concern throughout the world. Many
pesticides do not leach because they are adsorbed on the
soil particles or organic matter even though they may have
a relatively high solubility. The objective of this study was
to determine the relationship between soil permeability
and organic carbon in the transport of pesticides into
groundwater along the shore of Lake Naivasha, using
regression analysis of soil permeability and organic carbon
data collected along the shore. The results showed that the
soil organic carbon (foc) positively affected the soil
permeability (k) and were related by the equation k=
80.724(1.726)foc
. It was concluded that organic carbon
increased soil permeability by 30%, thereby recharging the
aquifer while at the same time reducing pesticide transport
into groundwater. Based on these findings the study
recommended that the use of compost (organic
amendments) should be increased in place of inorganic
fertilizers.
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Keywords
Pesticides, pesticide transport, Groundwater contamination, permeability, organic carbon, Lake Naivasha