Atrazine is widely used in the agricultural sector as an herbicide to improve the yields for the production of corn as well as other crops (EPA, 2013). As a result of the application of the chemical as herbicide, the compound is found in soil and surface waters. Studies have proven that this chemical is very toxic to aquatic life even in low concentrations. It negatively affects aquatic habitats. However, different species react differently to varying levels of atrazine. Research has shown that atrazine decreases the life of algae as well as other aquatic life. Algae is a source of food for fish and other aquatic life. Thus, the negative effect posed by atrazine in eliminating this plant means that fish might end up starving. This eventually reduces the population of fish. Some studies have also proven that the chemical generally affects the reproduction of fish. According to Wetzler (2010), researchers in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have proven that the chemical causes the lower production of fish as well as abnormalities in the reproductive organs of fish. This is because the chemical interferes with the normal function of the reproductive organs of the fish which in turn leads to a decrease in the rate of production of fish (United States Geological Survey, 2010). Another adverse effect of atrazine is on the organs of fish and amphibians. Studies have shown that the chemical negatively affects the liver as well as the gill of fish. According to Paulino, Sakuragui, and Fernandes (2011), atrazine results in the thickening of the lamella and sloughing off. This affects the efficiency of the gill of the fish to properly diffuse oxygen properly. Because of this, the fish develops a condition referred to as hypoxia. These changes in physical well chemical characteristics in water results in disruption of the gill function. Michael (2018) also showed that the chemical result in the erosion of hepatocytes, necrosis, and swelling of the liver. This result results in inefficiency in the performance of the organ. Numerous reports have been published on the effects of atrazine on fish and aquatic vertebrates such as amphibians. However, there are inconsistencies in the results reported. There is also inconsistency between studies in different laboratories. Most articles contradict the concentration at which the chemical becomes harmful. However, many research state atrazine is toxic even in low concentrations. Policies ought to be adopted to cope with uncertainties as well as chemical risks associated with atrazine. These policies should be based on the precautionary principle (PP). The policies should aim at reducing the environmental and also human risks related to this herbicide. Since the chemical is listed as carcinogenic, it ought to be banned or used within the permissible limit. Companies dealing in supplying bottled water should be evaluated and should ensure they put human safety first. The quantity of atrazine used as herbicide also ought to be reduced. This can be achieved through the integrated or organic weed management system. As a result, the environmental risk associated with this herbicide is reduced. Research ought to be carried out to investigate in detail the effects of atrazine as well as study its impact on humans as it is listed as being carcinogenic.
References
E PA. (2013). Atrazine Updates. [Online]. Available at: https://archive.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/web/html/atrazine_update.html . Accessed 9th Oct 2018.
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Michael, O. (2018). Toxicity Effect of Atrazine on Histology, Haematology and Biochemical Indices of Carias gariepinus . [Online]. Available at: http://www.fisheriesjournal.com/archives/2018/vol6issue3/PartB/6-2-23-695.pdf . Accessed 9th Oct 2018.
Paulino, M., Sakuragui, M., and Fernandes, M. (2011). Effects of Atrazine on the Gill and Ionic Balance in a Neotropical Fish, Prochilodus lineatus. [Online]. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653511009982#b0125 . Accessed 9th Oct 2018.
United States Geological Survey. (2010). Commonly used Atrazine Herbicide Adversely Affects Fish Reproduction. [Online]. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100519131126.htm . Accessed 9th Oct 2018.
Wetzler, A. (2010). Study Finds Atrazine Exposure Impairs Fish Reproduction at Levels below Federal Water Quality Guidelines. [Online]. Available at: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/andrew-wetzler/study-finds-atrazine-exposure-impairs-fish-reproduction-levels-below-federal . Accessed 9th Oct 2018.
