globalbriefs
Turf Trouble Florida Lawn Spray Spreads Disturbing Effects
Chlorothalonil, sold under the brand names Bravo, Echo and Daconil, is a toxic fungicide that’s been used by farmers for more than 40 years to protect 65-plus crops—including fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and nuts—from 125 diseases caused by mold and fungus. It’s also become a popular com- mercial turf grass and home lawn spray in Florida. Researchers at the University of South Florida (USF), in
Tampa, conducted an experiment they claim mimics real- world conditions of application and runoff into waterways that produced alarming results. USF Biologist Taegan McMa- hon, co-author of the study published in the journal Ecology Letters, describes how a variety of species were affected. “It basically wiped out all of the amphibians,” McMahon reports. Most of the snails, crayfish, water plants and other creatures in a series of tanks, including the smallest floating organisms, also died, which allowed algae to grow into oxygen-hogging blooms. The poison works by disrupting cellular respiration. Co-author Biologist Jason Rohr states, “Some species were able to recover from the chemical assault, but the ecosystem was fundamentally changed after its exposure to chlorothalonil.” The researchers note that the results of this ecosystem-
level experiment are consistent with several laboratory toxic- ity studies and observations in the field.
Source: Tampa Bay Online/The Tampa Tribune
Tech Trash Recycle All Electronic Products
With the average American household owning 24 electronic devices, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) estimates we are annually produc- ing nearly 3 million tons of e-waste. Tube-type TVs and computer monitors contain lead, while cell phones harbor toxic mercury, cadmium, arsenic and bromi- nated flame retardants, all of which can leach from landfills into groundwater. Alternatives include selling old phones or trad- ing them in at a store, and buying a new phone only when necessary. For $10, Staples will recycle any brand of computer monitor, desktop and laptop com- puter, fax machine, printer or scanner. Dell products are accepted at no charge. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers in- formation about local e-waste recycling and regulations regarding handling of electronic equipment at
Tinyurl.com/ EPAeWasteTips. For a global perspective, see the United Na- tions Environment Programme 2010 update at
Tinyurl.com/ UNeWasteReport.
24 Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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