Bound residues of organic compounds in the soil: the significance of pesticide persistence in soil and water: a European regulatory view

The paper discusses key aspects of the European Union (EU) regulatory policy for persistence of agricultural pesticide active substances (a.s.) in soil, which is examined in the context of the EU Authorisations Directive (91/414/EEC). For agricultural pesticide regulation within EU Member States (MS), the Authorisations Directive will gradually replace existing national systems. Discussion is concentrated on this directive, looking in particular at the Uniform Principles therein and the possible ways that these decision-making guidelines could be developed into a regulatory framework. The aim in this process of negotiated development is to identify any questions or data requirements that will be needed for persistent pesticides, over and above those generally required for all compounds. The present European regulatory position on soil non-extractable or bound residues is discussed. Finally, a brief mention of pesticide persistence in water and sediment is made. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.