Risk evaluation of groundwater pollution by pesticides in China: a short review

The development of agriculture is closely related to the application of pesticides in China. Excessive use of pesticides has indeed prevented harm by pests and largely improved the product of crops but has also resulted in high groundwater pollution risks. It is increasingly important to recognize groundwater pollution in agricultural areas and evaluate the groundwater pollution risk caused by pesticides. In this research, four major methods of risk evaluation are reviewed. To provide useful advice on the screening of these methods in actual application, the advantages and limitations of each method are stated in detail. Domestic and international research conditions are also reviewed in this paper. Recently, combined use of the existing evaluation methods has become the focus of international research. Some domestic researchers have attempted to use such combined methods to evaluate groundwater pollution risks, but most are based on the DRASTIC index method. Aiming at the deficiencies of the research in this field in China, prospects are considered for the development of risk assessment for groundwater pollution by pesticides. Four aspects were evaluated, including the establishment of a theoretical system, comprehensive consideration of the impact factors, the development of validation methods and combined evaluation methods, and the strengthening of monitoring work and groundwater pollution risk assessment in arid areas. This work enhances the understanding of groundwater pollution risks and provides useful advice on the development of risk evaluation for groundwater pollution by pesticides.