Application of a health risk assessment model for cattle exposed to pesticides in contaminated drinking waters: A study case from the Pampas region, Argentina

Abstract

Using the USEPA methodology we estimated the probabilistic chronic risks for calves and adult cows due to pesticide exposure through oral intake of contaminated surface and ground waters in Tres Arroyos County (Argentina). Because published data on pesticide toxicity endpoints for cows are scarce, we used threshold levels based on interspecies extrapolation methods. The studied waters showed acceptable quality for cattle production since none of the pesticides were present at high-enough concentrations to potentially affect cow health. Moreover, ground waters had better quality than surface waters, with dieldrin and deltamethrin being the pesticides associated with the highest risk values in the former and the latter water compartments, respectively. Our study presents a novel use of the USEPA risk methodology proving it is useful for water quality evaluation in terms of pesticide toxicity for cattle production. This approach represents an alternative tool for water quality management in the absence of specific cattle pesticide regulatory limits.

Crop proximity index for monitoring of peri-urban land use in agro-industrial crop regions

“…These indicators and indices of pesticide contamination have been developed and used with the intention of reducing its use, the risks of exposure of the applicators, population and contamination of the environment ( Feola et al., 2011 ; Labite et al., 2011 ; Reus et al., 2002 ). In Argentina, different indicators and indices of the risk of pesticide contamination have been developed and tested ( Dubny et al., 2018 ; Ferraro et al., 2003 ; Hunt et al., 2017 ; Maiztegui, 2010 ; Peluso et al., 2014 ). These have different objectives, scales of analysis and results, however, the convergence of results is interesting, where worrying levels of contamination and exposure to pesticides stand out.…”

“…Therefore, environmental indicators are needed for the proper assessment of the location of crops and pesticide use in order to minimize the risks of contamination from peri-urban areas ( Feola et al., 2011 ; Reus et al., 2002 ; Zivan et al., 2016 ). Although there are numerous indicators and indices of contamination and exposure to pesticides ( Alister and Kogan, 2006 ; Damalas and Eleftherohorinos, 2011 ; Dubny et al., 2018 ; Feola et al., 2011 ; Ferraro et al., 2003 ; Hunt et al., 2017 ; Kookana et al., 2005 ; Kudsk et al., 2018 ; Peluso et al., 2014 ; Reus et al., 2002 ; Sánchez-Bayo et al., 2002 ; Strassemeyer et al., 2017 ; Tsaboula et al., 2016 ; Vercruysse and Steurbaut, 2002 ), it is difficult to apply them in countries such as Argentina due to the lack of data on the use of pesticides required for their calculation, or due to the inaccessibility of such data. These conditions highlight the need to develop methodologies that allow the determination of primary data on the degree of proximity of crops to cities to serve as input to investigate possible cases of exposure on the populations living there.…”

Impact of udder infections on biochemical composition of milk in context of pesticides exposure

“…Contaminated surface and groundwater serve as a major way for pesticides intoxication in cattle [10]. In 2005, the Sacco River in Rome was contaminated with OCs pesticides, putting many nearby dairy farms at risk of OCs exposure.…”