Increased global demand for food, coupled with the market requirements, not only related to quality, but also to diversity, is leading to an increased use of pesticides in crops. In this context, the search for information and technologies to reduce environmental risks associated with pesticide use plays an important role. Laboratory studies have provided data on the behavior of pesticides in soils, but little is known about the identity and toxicity of the metabolites formed. This study evaluated the behavior of ametryn in Brazilian soils and the identity and quantity of two main metabolites was determined. Highest quantities of radioactivity were detected in the soil extracts, indicating that few bound residues were formed, which may represent an environmental risk. DT50 values were lower in soils with higher organic matter content.
ametryn; pesticide environmental fate; risk assessment
