Numerical Simulation of Pesticide Transport and Fate for Water Management in the Fucino Plain, Italy

Marco PETITTA, Miguel A. MARINO

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DOI: 10.4236/jwarp.2010.21004                

Abstract

A three-phase pesticide transport model is used to verify by numerical simulation, the influence of different parameters on infiltration through soil and/or surface runoff processes. Simulations are performed for a typical sandy loam potato field of Italy’s Fucino Plain, to explain the occurrence of measured concentrations of pesticides (mainly Linuron) in both surface waters and groundwater. Simulations take into account agricultural practices, climatic conditions, and soil characteristics. Results focus on the role of rainfall events and irrigation, of related infiltration amount and distribution, and of root zone thickness in influencing pesticide fate and its possible concentration increase through the years. Modeling results positively fit with the background knowledge of the Plain hydrology, showing the prevalence of surface transport and a scarce possibility for pesticides to reach groundwater in an average rainfall/irrigation scenario. Meanwhile, specific water management strategies are suggested to limit the occurrence of local groundwater pollution, related to high aquifer vulnerability zones, controlling inappropriate irrigation and pesticide application.

Keywords

Mathematical Models, Pesticides, Unsaturated Zone, Groundwater Pollution, Italy

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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