Dynamics of herbicide transport and partitioning under event flow conditions in the lower Burdekin region, Australia

► We documented the temporal variability in Burdekin floodplain herbicide loads. ► The dominant proportion of annual herbicide load was lost in 'first flush' events. ► Herbicide degradates made a substantial contribution to annual herbicide loads. ► Diuron demonstrated the highest proportion of particulate-binding in flood runoff. ► Diuron was the herbicide that demonstrated highest sediment partitioning.