DETECTION OF GLYPHOSATE IN THE WATERS OF NORTHWESTERN MISSOURI

Glyphosate, under the tradename “Roundup”, was first sold to farmers as an herbicide in 1974. It quickly gained popularity after the introduction of glyphosate-tolerant, genetically modified crops. This resulted in a significant increase of the use of glyphosate because it allowed farmers to spray the entire field and kill only the weeds, not the crops. By 2001, glyphosate became the most widely used herbicide in the United States. This widespread use, however, is showing to have adverse effects on the environment, including a loss of biodiversity in marine species, reduction of honeybee populations, and potential harm to human health. In addition, glyphosate has been detected in many bodies of water, including drinking water sources. Due to the polarity of the molecule, Glyphosate binds tightly with soil and water. The bacteria breaks down the molecules, and depending on the type of soil, water conditions, and climate, the toxicity of glyphosate can remain in the environment for as little as 15 days to up to six months. The purpose of this research is to test for the presence of glyphosate in bodies of water in the northwestern region of Missouri. We will attempt to collect fifteen samples from this region. Sample sites will potentially include Lake Mozingo, Mozingo Creek, the 102 River, Nodaway Lake, and adjoining areas. The long-term goal for this study is to determine if glyphosate is contaminating the waters in our study area, a primarily agricultural region. We will collect water samples before the application of glyphosate in early March (2023), shortly after application in late April (2023), a few months after application in late August (2023), and one final time after harvest is over in late October (2023). As a preliminary study we will present the observations from the samples collected in March and April. Our project hypothesis focuses on no expectation of glyphosate in surface waters in March but anticipate detecting glyphosate in April after initial application in the local agriculture. If these results show potential, then a follow-up detailed study will be conducted, and water will be collected and tested in August and October. Water samples will be analyzed for glyphosate using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Detection.