What should be done to prevent harm to aquatic life during herbicide use?

To prevent harm to aquatic life during herbicide use, it is crucial to avoid applying herbicides near water bodies. Aquatic ecosystems are sensitive to chemical exposure, and herbicides can enter water sources through runoff, drift, or leaching, potentially leading to toxicity in fish and other aquatic organisms. By staying a safe distance from water bodies during application, the risk of herbicide contamination is significantly reduced, thereby protecting the health of aquatic ecosystems.

In contrast, mixing herbicides with fertilizers can increase the potential for harmful runoff and is generally not a practice recommended for protecting aquatic environments. Applying herbicides close to shorelines poses an immediate risk of direct contamination to water bodies, increasing the likelihood of negative impacts on aquatic life. Using larger quantities of herbicides does not align with best practices focused on minimizing environmental impact, as higher concentrations can exacerbate toxicity issues. Therefore, the most responsible and effective method to safeguard aquatic life is to ensure that herbicide applications are conducted away from areas surrounding bodies of water.