Initial environmental risk assessment of combined effects of plant protection products in six different areas in Norway

Abstract

The combined effect of plant protection products (PPPs) in Norwegian streams, rivers and shallow ground water was assessed for the potential risk to non-target organisms by cumulative risk assessment. Risk quotients were calculated based on available effect data for algae, crustaceans, fish and aquatic plants, and measured environmental concentrations of PPPs at six different sampling sites in Norway. Four out of the six sites obtained a risk quotient above one which is indicative of risk. The risk at each site appeared to be driven by a few compounds and these toxicity drivers for the risk of combined toxicity of PPPs were identified for future consideration of mitigation measures.