New research from the University of Minnesota examined levels of neonicotinoid insecticides - commonly called neonics - in surface and groundwater across Minnesota.
The findings, published in Science of The Total Environment, reveal the extent of contamination across the state and help inform water treatment plans for these important sources that provide drinking water for a large number of Minnesotans.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
U of M researchers in the College of Science and Engineering worked in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to collect water samples from all over the state at various depths and analyze the differences between urban and rural areas. The research found:
- Consistent application of neonicotinoids for agriculture and insect control can lead to contamination in water sources like natural springs.
- Land uses, such as agriculture versus urban environments, affect the types and amounts of neonicotinoids found in groundwater.
- Individuals relying on shallow groundwater or springs for drinking water have a higher risk of contamination from neonicotinoids compared to those getting their drinking water from deep groundwater wells.
There are multiple ways these types of chemicals can get into the environment. In addition to direct application, stormwater runoff and snow melt can further add these chemicals into ground and surface water. The researchers were able to map different classes of neonicotinoids across the state.
The state of Minnesota and the six groundwater regions layered overtop the subsurface and bedrock geology. Credit: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
"This study is a key first step in identifying pollutants in the water, even in some unexpected places like natural springs," said Bill Arnold, a professor in the College of Science and Engineering. "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."
Researchers are collaborating with county and state agencies to include neonicotinoids on monitoring lists and plan to continue educating watershed districts about the risks of using these insecticides.
Future research will partner with the U of M St. Anthony Falls Laboratory to explore stormwater treatment methods for urban environments and help lower levels of neonicotinoids across Minnesota.
About the College of Science and Engineering
The University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering brings together the University's programs in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics and computer science into one college. The college is ranked among the top academic programs in the country and includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. Learn more at cse.umn.edu.
