UC Santa Cruz

Water pollution from the herbicide atrazine impacts public health worldwide, as atrazine is used extensively and is a common water contaminant. My research investigates how restrictions on atrazine have led to changes in water quality, farming practices, and farmer decision-making. My dissertation consists of two case studies. The first case study is on the complete ban of atrazine in Italy. The second case study is on the application rate restrictions and prohibition areas created in Wisconsin. In these two case studies I combine interview data, surveys, water quality analysis, and archival research to investigate what factors led to the policies and whether they resulted in improved environmental outcomes. I conclude my dissertation with a discussion of strategies to reduce pesticide use in agriculture and protect water quality.