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Monday, September 29, 2008
Davao watersheds found with pesticides: study
DAVAO CITY -- Two of the watershed areas in Davao City were found positive of pesticides in both water and sediment run off.
This is according to a study conducted by the Interface Development Interventions Inc., together with the Ateneo de Davao University, the Davao City Water District (DCWD), and other environmental non-government organizations (NGOs).
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The study, dubbed as "Survey on the Level of Pesticide Contaminants in Panigan Tamugan and Talomo-Lipadas Watersheds towards the Protection of Critical Water Resource Areas in Davao City," had 10 sampling sites within the two watersheds.
It was conducted for 14 months from November 2006 to December 2007.
The samples, which tested the levels of pesticides in water, were taken from 10 sampling stations on a monthly basis, while sediment samples were taken every other month in only seven sampling stations, as three are springs.
The results of the study showed that "pesticides used in crops within the watershed areas do end up in water and sediments."
It was also discovered that eight of the 10 sampling stations were positive for pesticide residue at least once during the sampling, especially after a heavy downpour.
Pesticides were more commonly detected in sampling stations that "receive surface run off from at least one agricultural plantation such as banana, pineapple, papaya, and even cutflower farms."
A total of 13 pesticides were detected during the study, six of which are allegedly banned chemicals belonging to the organochlorine classification.
The six banned chemicals were identified as DDT, endrin ketone, dieldrin, aldrin, heptachlor, and gamma chlordane.
Except for heptachlor, which was detected in the water samples, all others were found in the sediment samples.
The study also detected some pesticides at levels higher than the approved regulatory limit imposed by the United States Environment Protection Agency.
The pesticides identified as chlorpyrifos and diazinons were detected above regulatory limits.
The samples were examined at the Pesticide Analytical Laboratory 11 of the Bureau of Plant and Industry and by Jefcor Laboratories, a private company.
Suggestions
With the pesticides found, proponents of the study suggested for a strict implementation of the provisions of the Water Code of the Philippines.
One such provision is for 20 meters on both sides of rivers and streams in agricultural lands be kept with vegetative cover, planted with trees, and marked as permanent forest.
The group also proposed that the Clean Water Act of 2005 be strictly implemented.
Reports obtained by Sun.Star Davao showed that even the approval of the implementing rules and guidelines of the Watershed Code of Davao City, agricultural activities continue to be unabated within the delineated watersheds of the city.
A review of the pesticide regulations was also proposed in order to better protect the health and environment. The creation of an effective pesticide monitoring system, with the participation of the civil society, was also being pushed.
The group also proposed for a "better equipped laboratory facility."
The facility is said to improve the detection capabilities and provide better data as bases for policies on the use and sale of pesticides in the country, which are all geared to protect people and the environment in the watershed. (CPM/Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex))
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (September 29, 2008 issue)
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