USGS FINDS NEONICOTINOIDS ALL 9 STREAMS IT TESTED IN MIDWEST
The United States Geological Survey found three neonicotinoid pesticides were present in all of nine streams it tested in an area where corn and soy are grown in the midwest.
79 samples were taken from the nine streams. Tests were done to detect three neonicotinoid pesticides. The frequency of detection and concentration (maximum:median) were:
clothianidin (75%, 257 ng/L:8.2 ng/L)
thiamethoxam (47%, 185 ng/L:<2 ng/L)
imidacloprid (23%, 42.7 ng/L: <2 ng/L).
Amounts were higher after planting because seeds are coated, and after rainfalls because the pesticide travels with rainwater.
Neonicotinoids are harmful to bees.
They have also been linked to abnormal neurologic development in people in several studies. and our drinking water comes from these streams.
Remember to buy plants that have not been treated with neonicotinoids. They stay in the plant indefinitely, are harmful to pollinators, and can wind up in our drinking water.
Lowe’s and many other big box stores are phasing out plants with neonicotinoids, but meantime many of these stores are at least labeling plants that have been treated so homeowners can avoid killing bees and butterflies when they plant pollinator gardens.
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