Post a comment on the text below

6.7.2.     Herbicides
Isoproturon

Sources and uses

From the 1990s, isoproturon was one of the most commonly-used herbicides in Europe, used to control annual grasses and broad-leaved weeds, for example in cereals. However, because of its toxicity and persistence, approval was withdrawn in 2016 and sales forbidden from March 2017 (EU, 2016).

Toxicity and EQS

The­ EQS was set to protect sensitive marine species, especially algae (CIRCABC, 2005). Isoproturon is one of several herbicides which affect photosynthesis.

WFD status

Isoproturon was reported as failing in nearly 200 surface water bodies, the majority in western Europe.

Emissions

Figure 3.13 gives an overview of the different reported loads.

Figure 3.13 : Isoproturon !!!

Notes: !!! – CAUTION – low confidence in data, as limited reporting of this substance, see Table 3.2. Details on the emissions data are given in Annex A.

Few Member States reported loads from industry and UWWTPs. Loads reported in WFD by two Member States indicate limited loads from industry (presumably related to production), but significant loads from UWWTPs. It is unclear how these arise. Diffuse sources reported by 5 Member States indicate high loads from agriculture and run-off, with minor loads from storm water overflows.

No overview of the total emissions of isoproturon to water in Europe can be made, owing to reporting by only a few Member States. It is unclear whether this arises because of low emissions or because of low levels of reporting.

Summary/Outlook

Restrictions on isoproturon had yet to come into effect in the period during which emissions and water body status information were being collected. As there are limited emissions data available, it seems unlikely that information in future will be able to show any changes. Theory suggests that fewer surface water bodies should fail in the 3rd RBMPs for isoproturon.