A revelatory study by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uncovers high levels of neonicotinoid insecticides in Minnesota’s water supplies, posing significant risks to human health and local ecosystems.
A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has unveiled concerning levels of neonicotinoid insecticides in the state’s ground and surface water sources. These findings could have significant implications for both public health and the environment.
According to the research, neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides widely used in agriculture and pest control, were detected at high concentrations in some of Minnesota’s ground and surface water supplies.
These chemicals are particularly hazardous to individuals who rely on shallow groundwater or natural springs for their drinking water, as opposed to those using deeper wells.
“Oftentimes people think a natural spring has water that is safe to drink,” corresponding author Bill Arnold, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor & Joseph T. and Rose S. Ling Professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, said in a news release. “That’s not necessarily true, it depends on how deep that water is sourced.”
Published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the study comes at a critical time, given the rising use of neonicotinoids in agricultural practices.
The researchers collected water samples from 15 springs and 75 unique wells spanning 13 Minnesota counties over a four-year period, offering a comprehensive view of how these insecticides are spreading across various environments.
“We use so many of these insecticides in Minnesota — basically every corn and soybean seed is treated before planting — and many of these chemicals can be purchased at a local hardware store for spraying fruit trees, flea and tick control for your pets and eliminating bedbugs,” Arnold added.
The research provides a crucial foundation for identifying pollutants in unexpected sources, such as natural springs, which are often assumed to be pristine.
One of the surprising findings was the pervasive contamination in natural springs and deeper wells.
“We were surprised by the high levels of the chemical detected in the natural springs and in some cases the chemicals were observed at much deeper levels in wells than we expected going into this project,” Arnold added, highlighting the extensive reach of these contaminants.
The implications of this contamination are far-reaching. The study aims to inform county and state agencies to include these chemicals on their monitoring lists and educate watershed districts about the risks posed by neonicotinoids.
Additionally, the researchers will partner with the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory to develop advanced stormwater treatment methods, including biofiltration, to mitigate pollution.
As we become increasingly aware of the pollutants that infiltrate our water supplies, studies like this one are crucial for shaping future policies and safeguarding our health and environment.
The comprehensive study is a clarion call to address the pervasive issue of pesticide pollution, underscoring the need for vigilance and innovation in our approaches to water safety and conservation.