Evaluation of chemical parameters in aliakmon river northern greece. Part III. Pesticides

A two‐year survey on the water quality characteristics of Aliakmon river in northern Greece is described. Pesticides were determined and their concentration levels were related to the flow characteristics of the river and the influence from agricultural activities. Eight herbicides, alachlor, atrazine, 2,4‐D, EPTC, MCPA, metolachlor, simazine and trifluralin were identified in river waters at eight sampling stations. Four insecticides, diazinon, fenthion, lindane and methyl parathion were also detected in the same places. Peak concentrations of some pesticides were observed corresponding to their application in the fields. Episodic peaks in concentrations occur during the period from May to August. Highest concentrations were determined for the pesticides: alachlor (0.21 μg/L), atrazine (2.16 μg/L), MCPA (1.56 μg/L), methyl parathion (0.21 μgL), metolachlor (0.34 μg/L), simazine (0.34 μg/L) and trifluralin (0.55 μg/L).