In the authorization process of plant protection products (PPP), the evaluation of the impact of PPPs on surface water quality and on aquatic ecosystems is a crucial point. If the results of the risk assessment suggest an unacceptable risk for aquatic systems, after the pesticide application according the intended uses, mitigation measures have to be applied to reduce the concentration of PPPs which can reach water bodies. In this way the exposure of aquatic organisms is kept at acceptable level allowing a safe use for pesticides useful for crop protection but potentially dangerous for aquatic ecosystem. This study addresses the applicability of mitigation measures in a selected area of the Lombardy Region (LR) characterised by high density of water bodies. A multivariate analysis based on geo-pedological soil conditions, slope, distance between field and water bodies, considered representative of the Regional arable lands, was performed to evaluate mitigation measures applicability.
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