ABSTRACT
The presence of pesticides in the atmosphere can have environmental significance. The potential contribution of pesticides from the atmosphere to a surface-water body depends on pesticide levels in atmospheric deposition and on how much of the water budget is derived from surface runoff and direct precipitation. The most clearly documented effects of pesticides in the atmosphere on human health and aquatic life are related to long-lived, environmentally stable organochlorine insecticides that concentrate in organisms through biomagnification, bioconcentration, or both. A general perspective on the potential significance is aided by comparing rain water concentrations to standards and guidelines for water. The greatest contribution of pesticides from the atmosphere is likely to occur when precipitation is the major source of recharge and the unsaturated zone is highly permeable, particularly if there are macropores, cracks, or fissures in the soil.
