By integrating agri-environmental databases, mathematical models and
geographic information systems, maps showing the potential vulnerability of soils to the
leaching of plant protection products can be generated. However, these forecasts may
not be subsequently corroborated by monitoring data. Here we present a case study
based on glyphosate in Lombardy (Italy) and triazine herbicides in the Autonomous
Community of Valencia (Spain). Glyphosate was found in the groundwater of Lombardy,
despite modeling results clearly indicating the non-potential risk of groundwater
contamination. Among the triazine herbicides in Valencia, simazine, although present in
surface waters, was not found in groundwaters, contrary to its expected behavior as a
potential leachate. The discrepancy in the behavior of glyphosate can be explained by
infiltration and point contamination sources, and the absence of simazine by the facility
of its degradation. Our study highlights the importance of integrating monitoring
modeling and mapping approaches to improve knowledge and to obtain quality data.
[Contrib Sci 10:151-160 (2014)
