Assessment of pesticide contamination in hill reservoirs: combination of a rainfed farming survey and water multiresidue monitoring (Lebna watershed, Cap Bon, Tunisia).

Due to Mediterranean climatic conditions, traditional pluvial agrosystems are widespread along the southern Mediterranean shore and were previously thought to have minimal impact on surface water resources due to low agricultural input levels. However, current pesticide applications are now considered to contribute significantly to the contamination of surface water resources, which may result in severe impacts on biodiversity and the environment. This study examined the presence and mobility risk of pesticides in the surface waters of the Lebna watershed in northeastern Tunisia, a rainfed Mediterranean agricultural region.