AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS IN
SHALLOW GROUND-WATER ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA (Map Area 8)
Water-quality
studies in the Delmarva Peninsula indicated that concentrations of
nitrates are elevated in shallow ground water beneath agricultural areas
and may pose a risk to those residents who drink shallow ground water from
these areas. The study also indicated that ground water with elevated
concentrations of nitrate discharge to Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries,
and is probably a significant source of nitrates to the ecosystem of the
Bay. Pesticides, which are used primarily on corn and soybeans, were
detected at very low levels. The concentrations are generally at levels
that do not violate Federal drinking water standards.
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Last modified: Tue Oct 31 15:37:09 1995