Abstract
The Mahoning County Experimental Farm in Canfield, Ohio has undergone many plot rearrangements ranging from orchards to corn fields to pastures for both dairy and beef cattle. The studied area is currently pasture for cattle but has changed twice in the past 30 years. Pesticides such as dibasic lead arsenate (Pb HAsO4), lead chromate (PbCrO 4) and Paris Green mixture (Cu(OAS203)3 Cu(C2H3O2)2) were used on orchard areas. Thus, analyses were done for copper, lead and arsenic. Samples were from twenty-five sites and two depths- 0 to 2 cm and 14 to 16 cm. Analyses were done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) using a graphite furnace for higher sensitivity. The soil samples were first dried, weighed, acid digested (to remove organic matter) and filtered prior to AAS analysis. The concentration was determined by comparing absorption readings to those of standard concentrations. From the concentration readings, elemental quantities and thus pesticide quantities still remaining in the ground were compared to concentrations deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. The movement of the pesticides in soil and in run-off areas and the effects of residual pesticides on consumers, cattle and the environment was also reviewed.
Advisor
Bromund, Richard
Department
Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Watson, Suzanne Clare, "Analysis of Inorganic Pesticide Residues in Pastures" (1988). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 12535.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/12535
Publication Date
1988
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1988 Suzanne Clare Watson