Is Glyphosate Safe?

Glyphosate is the active ingredient used in many herbicides that kill weeds and plants, and it has been involved in court cases. Naturally, property owners with lakes and ponds on the premises are concerned about the safety of products with this ingredient.

In this brief article brought to you by Aquatic Restoration, we shed light on this herbicide. We’ll explore risks and precautions to take and suggest some best practices for safe usage. If you’d rather leave your lake and pond maintenance to trained professionals, then call Aquatic Restoration to hire a uniformed pond specialist in Milton, GA.

About glyphosate

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides used to control weeds and invasive plants. It works by inhibiting an enzyme critical for plant growth. While effective on land, its use in aquatic environments requires careful consideration because the impact depends on the formulation and the surrounding ecosystem.

Is Glyphosate Safe for Aquatic Use?

The safety of glyphosate in water bodies largely depends on its formulation. Not all glyphosate-based herbicides are approved for aquatic environments. Products like RoundUp® include surfactants that can be harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms.

However, certain glyphosate formulations specifically designed for aquatic use are generally considered safe when applied correctly. Studies and regulatory reviews, including those by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have concluded that glyphosate-based products can be safe when used as directed.

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Risks of misuse

The key is to adhere to proper application methods which minimize risks to the environment and non-target species. Improper use of glyphosate or applying it in excessive quantities can have significant consequences, including but not limited to:

Fish Death: Excessive application can kill large amounts of vegetation at once, leading to oxygen depletion during decomposition. This can result in fish deaths and disrupt the aquatic ecosystem.
Toxicity to Non-Target Species: Non-aquatic glyphosate formulations may harm fish, amphibians, and beneficial aquatic plants if used incorrectly.
Chemical Drift and Contamination: Glyphosate can drift into unintended areas and potentially harm nearby vegetation or water supplies.

Safely using glyphosate in ponds and lakes

If glyphosate use is deemed necessary, then choose one labeled for aquatic use and make sure to follow the instructions on/in the product’s packaging to ensure safe and effective application. Typically, this involves:

Treating only a portion of the pond or lake at a time, usually no more than one-quarter, to prevent oxygen depletion from decomposing plants.
Avoiding application during warm months when dissolved oxygen levels are naturally lower.
Reducing nutrient inputs (such as runoff containing fertilizers) to prevent excessive weed and algae growth.

Alternatives to glyphosate

For those concerned about chemical use, there are alternatives worth considering. Some of these strategies for maintaining aquatic health include:

Manually or mechanically remove invasive plants.
Introducing grass carp or other species that consume excessive vegetation. Do so by ensuring they are suitable for the ecosystem, though!
Using pond dyes to limit sunlight penetration, reduce nutrient inputs, and maintain appropriate water depths to discourage weed growth.

If you’re still scratching your head, then consider leaving the lake and retention pond maintenance to trained and experienced professionals. Contact Aquatic Restoration to hire uniformed specialists. Our team is ready to take your call or message today.

08 / Dec / 2024