Pesticides In Rivers - Assessment Of Source Apportionment In The Context Of Wfd

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) demands the identification of the significance of point and non-point sources of contaminants such as from pesticides. This paper introduces a first approach exemplarily for the situation in Germany. The model-approach DRIPS estimates spatially differentiated surface water inputs of pesticides via leaching, runoff and spray drift on a monthly basis. Model results, which are currently available for arable land (field crops), can be used directly for WFD requirements, need however actualization and further validating. For many river basins in Germany, a significant fraction of pesticide loads contaminating surface waters results from point source inputs of farmyards. As a first assessment criterion for point sources, the density of boom sprayers for field crops and blast sprayers for orchards, vineyards and hops could be taken into consideration. At present, groundwater inputs of licensed active ingredients are not considered to be significant on a larger scale in Germany.