"Neonic Insecticides Widespread in Iowa Waters -- Study"

"A class of insecticides popular with corn and soybean farmers in the U.S. Midwest but feared as a factor in the decline of U.S. honey bee colonies and other crop pollinators, has been found to be widespread through rivers and streams in Iowa, according to a government study released on Thursday.

The study, released by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, marks the first broad-scale investigation of multiple neonicotinoid insecticides in waterways in the Midwestern U.S., and is one of the first conducted within the entire United States, according to the government scientists. ((here))

In the report, 79 water samples from across Iowa, the top U.S. corn-producing state, were collected during the 2013 growing season. Researchers said the use of neonicotinoid insecticides has grown in recent years, and they found them to be both 'mobile and persistent' with 'a strong pulse of neonicotinoids associated with crop planting' in streams.

The researchers said the broad use of the neonicotinoids, 'needs to be closely examined in relation to environmental impacts.'"

Carey Gillam reports for Reuters July 25, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Insecticides in Our Food And Water, New Studies Find" (St. Paul Pioneer Press)