First map showing global hotspots of glyphosate contamination

Agricultural scientists and engineers have produced the world’s first map detailing global ‘hot spots’ of soil contaminated with glyphosate, a herbicide widely known as Roundup. Concerns are growing around the world about glyphosate and its potential impact on environmental and human health. Last year, the owner of Roundup, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), was ordered to pay $US2 billion to a US couple who had contracted cancer from the weedkiller. This was the third case the company had lost. And now, Australia is emerging as the next legal battleground for the herbicide’s links to cancer, with a class action suit being prepared for the Federal Court.

Professor Alex McBratney, director of the Sydney Institute of Agriculture at the University of Sydney, said,

“The scientific jury is still out on whether the chemical glyphosate is a health risk. But we should apply the precautionary principle when it comes to the health risks. And even if no evidence emerges about these risks, it is time for the agriculture industry to diversify our herbicides away from relying on a single chemical.”

Lead author of the paper is Associate Professor Federico Maggi from the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and Faculty of Engineering. He said: “Glyphosate is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. About 36 million square kilometres are treated with 600 to 750 thousand tons every year – and residues are found even in remote areas.” The paper identifies hotspots of glyphosate residue in Western Europe, Brazil and Argentina, as well as parts of China and Indonesia. Contamination refers to concentration levels above the background level.

A high-resolution map can be downloaded at:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972030677X?via%3Dihub