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National Survey of Pesticides and Emerging Organic Contaminants (EOCs) in Groundwater 2018

Summary

In 2018 ESR coordinated a survey of pesticides in groundwater throughout New Zealand. The survey has been completed every four years since 1990 with 2018 being the eighth consecutive survey. Regional and Unitary Authorities carried out the well sampling and the 2018 survey was the first time that glyphosate, glufosinate and their metabolites, and a suite of Emerging Organic Contaminants (EOCs) were included. The pesticide and glyphosate analyses were carried out by AsureQuality and samples were analysed for acidic herbicides and a suite of organochlorine, organophosphorus and organonitrogen pesticides, and for glyphosate and three of its metabolites. The EOCs were analysed by Northcott Research Consultants Ltd. ESR’s role was to coordinate the survey, advise on well selection as needed, collate and interpret the results and provide a national summary report.

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