glyphosate – Aquarius-Systems

Glyphosate Study Retraction Raises Questions About Herbicide Safety

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:17:36 +0000

A recent article in The New York Times detailed the retraction of a once-prominent study that supported the safety of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. The paper had been cited for years as evidence that the herbicide posed minimal risk. But after concerns were raised about conflicts of interest and the integrity of the research, the journal formally withdrew the study. For many, it was a reminder that even widely accepted conclusions can unravel when transparency comes into question.

Glyphosate is one of the most heavily used herbicides in the world. Regulatory decisions surrounding its approval have relied on research evaluating toxicity, exposure limits, and environmental impact. When a study that helped shape public confidence is pulled back, it naturally raises broader questions. Science is meant to evolve. That’s not a flaw — it’s the process. But it does highlight the importance of independent review, long-term data, and open disclosure of funding and methodology.

The same framework applies to aquatic herbicides used in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. These products are also deemed safe when applied according to label directions, based on studies measuring water concentration levels, species sensitivity, and breakdown rates. Yet water systems are complex. Variables such as temperature, oxygen levels, sediment composition, and nutrient loading all influence outcomes in real-world conditions. Ongoing evaluation matters.

For communities managing aquatic vegetation, the discussion often comes down to balancing effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical harvesting, for example, physically removes vegetation from the water body — along with the nutrients contained in that plant material. Left in place, excessive vegetation eventually dies and decomposes, releasing nutrients that can contribute to algae blooms and reduced oxygen levels. Different management tools bring different trade-offs.

What the glyphosate retraction ultimately reinforces is this: sound environmental decisions depend on sound science. That science must be transparent, repeatable, and open to scrutiny. Whether addressing agricultural weeds or aquatic vegetation, long-term ecosystem health depends on continually testing assumptions and being willing to re-examine conclusions when new information emerges.

Glyphosate Risks in Water Hyacinth Control Highlight Concerns

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:37:41 +0000

Water hyacinth, one of the most invasive aquatic plants, poses serious threats to waterbodies across India, including Pashan Lake in Pune and Powai Lake in Mumbai. As municipal authorities struggle to manage these infestations, the use of herbicides such as glyphosate is being considered as a cheaper and quicker solution. However, applying glyphosate to control water hyacinth can have long-term harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems. Glyphosate breaks down into aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), which remains toxic and continues to affect aquatic life. It reduces oxygen levels by promoting the decay of dead plant matter, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic species. Additionally, glyphosate can disrupt the food chain by harming beneficial algae and microorganisms that support aquatic biodiversity.

The risks of using glyphosate go beyond immediate environmental concerns. Studies suggest that its residues in waterbodies can accumulate over time, affecting not just fish but also amphibians and other organisms. In sensitive habitats, such as those with crocodiles or endemic species, these chemicals may alter reproductive cycles and hinder growth, leading to population declines. Furthermore, introducing glyphosate without addressing pollution sources, such as sewage inflow, only provides a temporary fix. Experts emphasize the need for thorough environmental assessments and long-term monitoring before opting for chemical interventions. Sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, such as biological control using weevils or mechanical removal, offer safer solutions to protect India’s vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.

Residents Vote Against Glyphosate Applications on Invasive Plants

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:23:21 +0000

Clay Township Michigan residents vote against a broad-spectrum weed killer as part of a scheduled herbicide treatment.

The spray of concern was glyphosate, which is a systemic herbicide used to kill weeds that absorbs into an unwanted plant, right down to its roots.

Clay Township Supervisor Artie Bryson said the majority of attendees of the herbicide public hearing said “no” to the quarterly applications, even though every agency in the county, state and nation assured him they do no harm.

“Personally, I’m not going to guarantee it’s safe,” he said. “About 30 years ago they said DDT was safe and then they said it wasn’t. Agent Orange was also considered safe at one time.”

Bea Zrepskey, secretary to the Colony Park Association Board, was adamantly opposed to the treatments.

“Children swim in these canals,” she said. “People water their lawns and gardens with water pumped from the canal. Water can collect in puddles from sprinkling the lawn and pets and other wildlife can drink the treated water.”

In her extensive research, she said she has found that herbicides are cumulative in the human body. In most cases, she said, it is a long time later before cancer and other diseases occur from the accumulation of chemicals and heavy metals.

Glyphosate Herbicide Roundup Triggers Loss of Biodiversity

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 04:07:09 +0000

The glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup has been found to trigger the loss of biodiversity among phytoplankton communities in freshwater ponds. In their experiments, scientists found that while some populations developed resistance to the herbicide and were able to survive exposure at high levels, this came at a cost, with a 40 percent loss in biodiversity.

The team say their findings are concerning, as it could mean these food web staples are more vulnerable as environmental conditions become more extreme under a changing climate.

Glyphosate and Atrazine Harming Endangered Species

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:55:30 +0000

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the endocrine-disrupting pesticide atrazine and cancer-linked pesticide glyphosate are each likely to harm more than 1,000 of the nation’s most endangered plants and animals.

These chemical poisons are causing severe harm to imperiled wildlife since U.S. use exceeds 70 million pounds of atrazine and 300 million pounds of glyphosate every year.

Atrazine is a widespread pollutant of groundwater and drinking water. It has been linked to increased risk of cancer and reproductive problems in people and can chemically castrate male frogs at extremely low concentrations, including those allowed in drinking water. Despite being banned in more than 35 countries, including the entire European Union, it remains the second-most used herbicide in the United States after glyphosate.

Glyphosate Could be Harmful to Freshwater Ecosystems

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 21:17:24 +0000

New research out of McGill University in Montreal suggests there is cause for concern regarding the effects of the herbicide glyphosate being sprayed on land near waterways.

The new studies found glyphosate puts freshwater ecosystems at risk even when its application meets approved guidelines.

“And what we found is … glyphosate concentrations as low as 0.1 milligrams per litre could lead to a species loss of zooplankton.”

Zooplankton are small aquatic microorganisms that live in waterways and if these zooplankton are killed by glyphosate being washed into freshwater ponds and wetlands, it could upset the ecosystems and alter the aquatic food web.

The Pros and Cons of Phragmites

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:38:27 +0000

Phragmites, the 12 feet tall perennial grass that aggressively colonizes and forms dense stands in freshwater wetlands can be eradicated using herbicides, but it takes years of repetition. The glyphosate components in the herbicide stay in the ecosystem which can lead to loss of biodiversity, making them more vulnerable to pollution and climate change. An alternative to eradication is burning, but the ash only fertilizes next year’s growth.

Phragmites obliterate nearly all other plant life, it changes a marsh’s hydrology that affects flow and habitat for baitfish and degrade conditions for birds along with altering water levels by trapping sediment.

Researchers know that phragmites doesn’t have many weaknesses, but salt is one of them and conservationists are restoring salinity to Rhode Island waterways by removing dams and restoring tidal flow. While the invasive plant is still there, it is stunted and numbers are reduced enough to allow less-suffocating plants to reestablish.

And after efforts to eradicate or reduce plant numbers, conservationists begrudgingly say phragmites may actually help save the marshes from climate change issues such as rising sea levels. These rising waters force the salt marshes inland, phragmites root networks retain peat in marshes and could help future marshes migrate to higher ground.

The phragmites are also excellent at capturing and storing nutrients. The plant locks elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen in its stalks and roots and also absorb industry legacy pollutants such as cadmium and lead. The biomass is also effective in storing carbon which is a chief driver of climate change.

So, do the benefits offset the harm?

Man-Made Chemicals May Be Driving a Global Decline in Male Births

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 20:49:49 +0000

In species from alligators to humans, males are being born less frequently than they were before. Environmental experts are examining the link between man-made chemicals and their role as endocrine disruptors.

Exposure to phthalates, a common class of petrochemicals, can happen through air, water or food. They are contained in cosmetics, cleaning products and consumer goods from wall paper to toys. Some types of phthalates are not only carcinogens, but they are also known endocrine disruptors. Glyphosate, one of the most common and highly used herbicides is found in trace amounts in nearly every food item that is made from genetically modified crops. This endocrine disruptor is especially toxic to human cells in vitro.

Sperm counts worldwide have been cut in half, male infertility has increased, and testicular cancer rates have doubled. These endocrine disruptors interfere with male hormonal system and are playing have havoc with the basic building blocks of male sexual development.

Many central Florida lakes are heavily polluted with a mixture of pesticides, nutrients and fertilizer – many chemicals are old chemicals like DDT that are persistent. Scientists studying alligators in central Florida have found evidence that pesticides have the ability to alter the development of testes as well as lower the testosterone levels of the males similar to those of females. Sexual organs of male alligators nesting in these lakes are 1/3 their normal size and reproduction rate is 90% below average. For several weeks after conception the embryo is neither male nor female. Sex hormones determine whether the fetus will be a boy or a girl. In the 7th week of pregnancy the male reproductive tract begins developing. Chemical exposure is likely behind a 200% increase in male genital birth defects. After birth the infant is further exposed to chemicals in mother’s milk. Blood and urine samples show that contaminates are not only in the child at birth, but they stay in the child.

The falling male birthrate is a global phenomenon. There are 20 heavily industrialized nations where male births have mysteriously declined. Since 1970 this has added up to almost 3,000,000 fewer baby boys. Virtually all of the products linked to male reproductive problems are made from petroleum and of the 80,000 chemicals in use 85% have never undergone testing for the impact on the human body.

Synthetic chemicals may be the threat linked to the survival of our species.

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