Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Predictive Modeling Of Fate And Transport Of Three Prevalent Contaminants In Midwest Agroecosystem Surface Waters: Nitrate-N, Atrazine, And Escherichia Coli, Samuel Hansen

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations and Theses

The majority of streams and rivers in the United States (U.S.) are ecologically impaired, or threatened by anthropogenic stressors. Recent reports have found atrazine in drinking water to be associated with increased birth defects and incidences of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, with higher levels of significance from exposure to both atrazine and nitrate-N. In contrast, recent illnesses from E. coli contaminating vegetables that originated from irrigation water has increased awareness of identifying sources of E. coli entering irrigation reservoirs.

Methods to accurately predict atrazine and E. coli occurrence and potential sources in waterways continue to limit the identifying appropriate and effective prevention …

Reducing Long-Term Atrazine Runoff From South Central Nebraska, Walter Scott Gorneau, Thomas G. Franti, Brian L. Benham, Steve D. Comfort

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Heavy reliance on chemical weed control in field crops of South Central Nebraska has resulted in the appearance of atrazine at concentrations greater than established drinking water standards. Our objective was to evaluate the best management practices for atrazine runoff for the tillage and herbicide management practices common to the region under study. Field experiments were performed to measure edge–of–field atrazine and water loss from disk–till, ridge–till, and slot plant (no–till) management systems. Results indicated less water runoff from no–till (34% less) and ridge–till (36% less) than from disk–till. Similarly, atrazine loss was also less: 24% less for no–till and …