Fish and agricultural chemicals : safeguarding your pond (1993)

Abstract

There are about 300,000 ponds and reservoirs on private lands in Missouri as well as numerous miles of streams and rivers that flow through them. These water bodies serve a variety of uses, such as fishing, swimming and water for livestock. Some areas are also now being used to rear fish for domestic use or for sale. For example, cage culture of channel catfish is a new use of Missouri ponds. The use of these waters for domestic and commercial activities is beneficial for all Missouri residents. Unfortunately, these water bodies are also susceptible to chemical contamination from agricultural activities such as accidental spills, drainage from washing and cleaning of spray equipment and pesticide containers, drift from spraying operations or runoff from newly treated fields.