Atrazine and its Metabolites as Indicators of Stream-aquifer Interaction in Kansas,USA

Abstract

A survey of atrazine and its metabolites in Kansas ground water indicated that ground-water quality was impacted by stream-aquifer interaction between rivers in the Kansas River basin and their adjacent alluvial aquifers. Atrazine was detected in 19 of the 78 samples. The most common metabolite, deethylatrazine, was detected in 25 samples, 18 of which also had atrazine. The deethylatrazine/atrazine ratio (DAR) of < 1.0 indicates rapid movement of agricultural chemicals to ground water. In this study, 12 of 18 samples had DAR values < 1.0, suggesting rapid recharge to the aquifers. Hydroxyatrazine is seldom detected in ground water. In this study hydroxyatrazine was detected primarily in wells sited in alluvium of rivers. These rivers contain atrazine in varying concentrations. Results of the study suggest that stream-aquifer interaction is a process contributing to the presence of both atrazine and its metabolites in ground water in these areas.