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As if we need more evidence that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s flagship weed-killer, is dangerous to both people and the environment, a new study suggests it could be at least partially to blame for the declining coral reefs around the world.
According to GreenMedInfo, the Great Barrier Reef is “the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. It can even be seen from space. But, since 1985, the reef has lost more than half its coral cover—more than half! Scientists blame the degradation of the Great Barrier Reef and other coral reefs on a variety of causes including climate change, increased predator species, and pollution. But a new study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin indicates glyphosate may need to be added to the list.” Glyphosate persistence in seawater” looks at the impact of the agro-chemical on sea life. The researchers found that glyphosate is particularly persistent and dangerous in sea water. It’s half-life, or the rate at which it breaks down, is dramatically longer in the ocean.
The study says, “the half-life for glyphosate at 25°C in low-light was 47 days, extending to 267 days in the dark at 25°C and 315 days in the dark at 31°C, which is the longest persistence reported for this herbicide.” But, in the soil, the chemical’s half-life is as quick as 5 days; in bog or fresh water, it’s 49 days.
Read More: http://www.nationofchange.org/reader/43044