Residues related to agricultural chemicals in the groundwaters of the Burdekin River Delta, North Queensland

Abstract

The concentrations of a range of species, related to agricultural chemicals applied to the sugar cane crops, have been determined in the groundwaters of the Burdekin River Delta. Concentrations of γHCH and heptachlor, organic and inorganic mercury, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia, phosphate, sodium, potassium, chloride and fluoride are reported. The concentrations of the various species are discussed in terms of local geographic features, annual rainfall pattern and agricultural chemical usage.