AN INVESTIGATION OF PRE AND POST RAINFALL PESTICIDE AND HERBICIDE CONTAMINATION FOR THE STANDING PINE WATERSHED SURFACE WATERWAYS

The Standing Pine Creek Watershed, Mississippi was evaluated in 1984 according to standards set forth by the Clean Water Act of 1977. Unacceptable levels of pesticides, nutrients, siltation, organic enrichment and pathogens were found in the watershed. These contaminates do not meet water quality requirements for this watershed, which is to support aquatic life and serve as a secondary contact recreation water body. As a result the watershed was placed on the 303(d) list. The 303(d) report lists the water bodies that have not met the water quality requirements for their designated uses. However, it was later discovered that this watershed was not properly tested. Through rainfall generated sample analysis this study will determine if the Standing Pine Watershed contains those contaminates listed in 1984. Field and GIS analysis will identify any point/non-point contaminant sources and movement mechanisms.

Baseline and post contaminant application water samples have been collected from four sites within the Standing Pine Creek Watershed. The baseline sample (taken in mid-February) indicated an absence of contaminates. However, a post contaminant/post rainfall sample indicated the presence of herbicides at the mouth of the watershed. Application schedules, climatic data, and GIS analysis are being used in an attempt to locate the origin of the contamination. It is anticipated that a contamination potential model based on the above variables can be used in place of expensive water sampling for similar watersheds in Mississippi.