3.1.4. Agrochemicals

Regular use of pesticides in irrigated crops is also likely to lead to the occurrence of these residues in irrigation water and food crops, especially in regions where regulation and training in proper application of these substances is lacking. Application of large quantities of agrichemicals and improper management can create a substantial effect on the environment. The leaching and runoff of agrochemicals is a potential source of groundwater and surface water contamination [95,96]. The occurrence of agrichemical residues in vegetables has been documented [97] and their uptake by crops is well studied [98,99] and regulated. Leaching of nitrate from fertilizer over application to groundwater below is well reported, and accumulation of reactive nitrogen is also thought to initiate mobilization of other geogenic contaminants [15].
