The active ingredient in Tordon 22K is picloram. Picloram is a chemical that is commonly used in herbicides and has the ability to travel through soil. This means that it can seep or leach into the soil and potentially contaminate groundwater. This is a concern because groundwater is often used for irrigation and drinking purposes.
I have personally encountered situations where picloram contamination has occurred and posed a risk to both plants and humans. In one instance, a garden that was treated with an herbicide containing picloram experienced runoff during heavy rainfall. This runoff carried the picloram into nearby soil and eventually contaminated a nearby well, which was used for drinking water.
The contamination of the well was discovered after residents began experiencing health issues, including nausea and headaches. It was determined that the picloram in the herbicide had leached into the soil and entered the groundwater, leading to the contamination. Remediation efforts were required to clean up the contaminated well and prevent further health risks.
The ability of picloram to seep through soil and contaminate groundwater is a result of its chemical properties. Picloram is highly water-soluble, meaning it can easily dissolve in water. This allows it to be carried through the soil by water movement, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or irrigation.
Once picloram enters the groundwater, it can persist for long periods of time due to its low rate of degradation. This means that even if picloram is no longer being applied to the soil, it can still be present in the groundwater and continue to pose a risk.
To prevent picloram contamination of groundwater, it is important to use herbicides containing picloram responsibly. This includes following label instructions, using proper application techniques, and avoiding application near bodies of water or areas with high water tables. It is also important to be aware of the potential for runoff during periods of heavy rainfall and take steps to prevent it.
Picloram is the active ingredient in Tordon 22K. It has the ability to seep or leach through soil and contaminate groundwater, which can be used for irrigation and drinking purposes. This poses a potential risk to both plants and humans. Responsible use of herbicides containing picloram is essential to prevent groundwater contamination and protect the environment and public health.
