1. Why and where should glyphosate water contamination be monitored in Tunisia? A review based on Mediterranean situations
- Author
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Dahmeni, Ghada, Grünberger, Olivier, and Chaabane, Hanene
- Abstract
Pesticides, particularly glyphosate (GPS) and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), are a global concern due to their potential to contaminate both surface and underground waters, leading to biodiversity and health impacts. This work reviews the fate of GPS in Mediterranean agrosystems and compares it to available information in Tunisia. The review concluded that countries along the southern Mediterranean shore should anticipate increasing levels of water contamination from GPS use. While GPS treatments are relatively recent and less developed than those in northern Mediterranean countries, northern Tunisian pluvial cultivation occurs on soils with a pH > 8 due to the high calcite content and low OM content, which increase GPS mobility despite the high clay content. Higher temperatures could shorten the GPS half-life by 20%, but intense dryness may contradict this effect. A Tunisian study surveyed cultivated fields in Bizerte (north Tunisia) and reported a range of 17–35 g ha−1of applied GPS, which is lower than the recommended authorized dose (4.32 kg ha−1). Highlighting the lack of information about this molecule in Tunisia, this study reviewed its behavior in southern Mediterranean countries and offered several suggestions about water monitoring tailored to the Tunisian context. To prevent extensive water pollution, it is necessary to establish new legislation regarding pesticide monitoring, follow the phytosanitary practices of farmers, and suggest new water monitoring management strategies related to GPS and AMPA.
- Published
- 2024
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