Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effect Of The Herbicide Atrazine On Phytoplankton, Water Quality, And Ecosystem Functions In Louisiana Estuaries, Alexis Victoria Starr

LSU Master's Theses

Pesticides are used primarily for agricultural purposes in the US and while these chemicals provide many benefits, the inherent toxicity of the compounds pose a substantial risk to the environment. These chemicals may enter water bodies in areas with a high proportion of agricultural land use through surface run off, ground water discharge, and erosion, and negatively impact non-target aquatic organisms. As a result, Louisiana’s estuaries may be vulnerable to a variety of compounds, including the herbicide atrazine. Atrazine is used extensively throughout the Midwest and has been known to enter the Mississippi River through surface runoff and ground water …