Articles | Volume 30, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-1291-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-1291-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
04 Mar 2026
Research article |
| 04 Mar 2026
| 04 Mar 2026
How does integrating multi-scale monitoring and compound-specific isotope analysis improve the evaluation of S-metolachlor degradation in agro-ecosystems?
Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES), University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, CNRS UMR 7063, France
Guillaume Drouin
Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES), University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, CNRS UMR 7063, France
Jenna Lohmann
Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES), University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, CNRS UMR 7063, France
Benoit Guyot
Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES), University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, CNRS UMR 7063, France
Gwenaël Imfeld
Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES), University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, CNRS UMR 7063, France
Sylvain Payraudeau
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES), University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, CNRS UMR 7063, France
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Sylvain Payraudeau, Pablo Alvarez-Zaldivar, Paul van Dijk, and Gwenaël Imfeld
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 4179–4197, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4179-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4179-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study focuses on the rising concern of pesticides damaging aquatic ecosystems, which puts drinking water, the environment, and human health at risk. We provided more accurate estimates of how pesticides break down and spread in small water systems, helping to improve pesticide management practices. Using unique chemical markers in our analysis, we enhanced the accuracy of our predictions, offering important insights for better protection of water sources and natural ecosystems.
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Short summary
How to evaluate pesticide persistence and degradation across an agricultural catchment to improve strategies for preserving aquatic ecosystems? By using a tracing method based on stable isotope signatures of pesticides at the catchment scale, degradation of the herbicide S-metolachlor could be distinguished from other dissipation processes. A limited number of isotopic measurements can provide critical insights for designing efficient strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems.
How to evaluate pesticide persistence and degradation across an agricultural catchment to...
