Journal article

Pesticide handling and waste management: a case study on DDT and HCHs from the Southern Caucasus


Authors listLud, D; Schwemm, A; Kalandadze, B; Babaev, E; Simon, MP; Weller, P; Düring, RA

Publication year2022

JournalSN Applied Sciences

Volume number4

Issue number4

ISSN2523-3963

eISSN2523-3971

Open access statusGold

DOI Linkhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-022-04999-w

PublisherSpringer


Abstract
This study presents a survey on pesticide use, pesticide storage and pesticide disposal among 100 residents near a former pesticide store in rural Georgia using a standardized paper questionnaire. More than one quarter of the participants responded that the age of the pesticides they use is higher than 20 years. Based on this finding, it cannot be excluded that persistent organic pollutants like Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane and hexachlorocyclohexanes still are released to the environment. Knowledge about active ingredients of pesticides is lacking among farmers: More than two thirds state that they know the active ingredients, while less than 10% mention an active ingredient matching the brand name they report. Purchasing pesticides in containers without labels appears to be common practice. Information about the pesticides is mainly obtained from the pesticide retailer, while the label is less important as a source of information. More than 95% of the participants store the pesticides in a separate store, but appropriate possibilities of hazardous waste disposal seem to be insufficient in rural areas in the region. The finding that pesticides are purchased and stored in repacked secondary containers, poses direct risks and hampers communication of risks to users. Improving (implementation of) regulations for pesticide handling and strengthening local knowledge through better vocational training can improve soil and groundwater protection and sustainable use of resources.



Citation Styles

Harvard Citation styleLud, D., Schwemm, A., Kalandadze, B., Babaev, E., Simon, M., Weller, P., et al. (2022) Pesticide handling and waste management: a case study on DDT and HCHs from the Southern Caucasus, SN Applied Sciences, 4(4), Article 112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-022-04999-w

APA Citation styleLud, D., Schwemm, A., Kalandadze, B., Babaev, E., Simon, M., Weller, P., & Düring, R. (2022). Pesticide handling and waste management: a case study on DDT and HCHs from the Southern Caucasus. SN Applied Sciences. 4(4), Article 112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-022-04999-w


Last updated on 2025-10-06 at 11:37