Unwanted agricultural chemicals in Stellenbosch : need for public health intervention : science policy
Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: A pilot study of farms in theStellenbosch area revealed many storing
unwanted agricultural chemicals, often
kept under conditions that present a potential
health hazard. To evaluate the extent of this
environmental problem, a survey of all 233
productive farms in the region was conducted
in 1995/6, as the first part of a project to effect
the safe disposal of redundant agrochemicals.
The investigation confirmed the presence of
substantial quantities of discarded chemicals
on the farms, including DDT (2776 kg), dieldrin
(18 kg), MCPA (63 kg), lead arsenate
(9 kg), endosulfan (71 kg), parathion (90 kg)
and omethoate (75 kg) as well as other banned,
restricted, withdrawn or hazardous compounds
such as lindane, mercuric pesticides,
dicamba and DNOC in smaller quantities.
Nearly one in five abandoned containers contained
chemicals of unknown origin. Furthermore,
three of every four farmers possessed
large numbers of empty containers requiring
safe disposal. The combined cost of disposing
of the unwanted chemicals by means including
landfilling and encapsulation, was estimated
at more than R120 000. Although the
need for safe disposal of chemical pesticides
has been identified by all the main parties in
the agricultural sector, an effective policy for
the purpose is still required.
Source: South African Journal of Science
Authors: Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie, Leslie London
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2523580822