About Diquat

What is Diquat?

Diquat is known as an extensive herbicide in the United States. The contact herbicide is a colorless, solid crystal most often available as the diquat dibromide. The nonselective herbicide damages every plant and weed it gets in contact with. A diquat water solution is available in dark red to brown color.

What Types of Industrial Uses Does it Have?

Since the late 1950s, diquat is a popular herbicide used in the United States to control crops and weeds in farmlands and aquatic farms.

What are the Health Risks Associated with Diquat?

The health risk associated with drinking diquat-contaminated water is the increased risk of getting cataracts. Individuals who consume high levels of diquat in their drinking water may likely experience eye problems.

How Common is Diquat in Water?

Since diquat is a herbicide used extensively in farmland crops and aquatic weeds, it is common in water systems near areas where farmers are using the contact herbicide. The chemical compound in liquid form is sprayed on crops and weeds. As a result, the chemical runoff will lead to contaminated water systems.

What is the EPA’s Contamination Level Standards for Diquat in Drinking Water?

The set MCLG for diquat by the EPA is 0.02 mg/L or 20 ppb. Readings above the contamination level standards are cause for alarm. Immediate action must be taken to prevent health problems due to drinking water contamination.

What is the Best Reduction Media for Removing Diquat from Drinking Water?

The use of granular activated carbon can help remove the contaminant diquat to below 0.02 mg/L or 20 ppb from your drinking water. The filtration media is used in most modern water filter systems like AquaOx’s whole house filter media. It is a reliable filter in eliminating water impurities such as chemical compounds so you can enjoy safe and clean drinking water. Install one today and keep your drinking water quality above EPA’s standards to safeguard your loved ones’ health and wellbeing.

Diquat is a contact herbicide used also to produce desiccation and defoliation. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)

Diquat is a yellow crystalline solid dissolved in a liquid carrier. It is a water emulsifiable liquid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Since it is a liquid it can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate groundwater and nearby streams. It can cause illness by inhalation, skin absorption and/or ingestion. It is used as a herbicide.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Record Name: DIQUAT
URL: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/3319