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Kuttanad is a unique wetland agriculture system featuring polder-based rice cultivation below sea level. Facing increasing pollution threats from agrochemicals, this FAO-recognized Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) needs constant monitoring and risk assessment. The present study investigated the seasonal dynamics of agricultural pesticide residues in fish cultured in the wetland system. A total of 217 fish samples were analyzed, spanning three different sampling stations of Kuttanad, viz., Vaikom, Ramankari, and Edathua, during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. The results revealed the presence of 14 pesticides across locations and seasons. The pesticides found in the highest concentrations were propetamphos (54.64 mg L−1), thiacloprid (46.78 mg L−1), and diphenylamine (24.70 mg L−1). The most frequently detected pesticides were propoxur, fenuron, and thiacloprid. Contaminants were detected more frequently during the post-monsoon season (49%) compared to the monsoon (38%) and pre-monsoon (13%) seasons, with imidacloprid being present in all three seasons. The target hazard quotients (THQ) for propetamphos, thiacloprid, and diphenylamine were determined to be 0.04, 0.004, and 0.0002, respectively. The hazard index (HI) calculated as the sum of THQ of quantified pesticides was 0.056, indicating a low to moderate risk. However, consistent monitoring of pesticides in the Kuttanad wetland agriculture system is important to ensure timely intervention to protect biodiversity and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess compliance with maximum residue levels in foods and evaluate the exposure of the Danish population to pesticides, a comprehensive monitoring programme was conducted. The work from 2012-2017 involved testing pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, cereals, animal product and processed commodities. The sampling strategy, mainly based on exposure calculations and previous findings, involved the collection of 13,492 samples primarily from fresh conventional and organic produces on the Danish market. The origin of the samples varied, with 34% being of Danish origin and 67% originating from EU and non-EU countries. The results revealed that residues in conventionally grown produce were detected in 54% of the fruit and vegetable samples, and 30% of the cereal samples. Additionally, residues above the maximum residue limits were found in 1.8% of these samples, most frequently in fruits. As previous years, more residues were found in samples of foreign origin compared to samples of Danish origin. Compared to earlier findings more than 40 pesticides were detected for the first time and including boscalid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, etofenprox, and spinosad, all detected more than 100 times. The data shows that detection of PFAS pesticides has increased dramatically, from 24 in 2006 to 412 in 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonicotinoids are a group of synthetic insecticides that are highly effective and have a wide range of insecticidal activities. This group includes acetamiprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid, sulfoxaflor, nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, and thiacloprid. They are extensively used worldwide, both in rural and urban environments. However, the widespread use of neonicotinoids has led to their accumulation and biomagnification in the environment due to their long half-life. This has resulted in the emergence of toxicological and hazardous pollutants, posing significant risks to humans and non-target animals. Neonicotinoids are a type of insecticides that bind to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). This mechanism allows them to effectively activate insect nAChRs while having minimal impact on vertebrate nAChRs. This reduces the risk of toxicity and makes them safer for non-target species. However, the presence of neonicotinoids in the environment can still increase the risk of toxicity and exposure. Although they have low affinity for mammalian nAChRs, concerns arise due to the abundance, diversity, and widespread presence of these receptors, as well as their various functions. These factors raise concerns about the potential impact of these pesticides on unintended species. Therefore, it is crucial to remove neonicotinoids from the environment in a sustainable and methodical manner. Various techniques can be employed to eliminate neonicotinoid residues in soil and aquatic habitats. These techniques include physiochemical remediation methods such as advanced oxidation processes, adsorption, oxidation, Fenton technology, photocatalysis, and activated persulfate-based oxidation. Additionally, microbial remediation techniques involving bacteria, fungi, and microalgae can also be utilized. This review aims to focus on the scientific foundation, advancements, and key topics related to microbial remediation technologies for neonicotinoids. Proper implementation of bioremediation techniques can significantly reduce the harmful effects of neonicotinoids on the environment and human health. Short conclusion: The main focus of this review is the new studies on the bioremediation of neonicotinoids by bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, and the role of their enzymes. This topic is gaining importance as pesticide bioremediation techniques become increasingly significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids (NEOs), used as insecticides against aphids, whiteflies, lepidopterans, and beetles, have numerous detrimental impacts on human health, including chronic illnesses, cancer, infertility, and birth anomalies. Monitoring the residues in food products is necessary to guarantee public health and ecological balance. The present work validated a new method to measure seven neonicotinoid insecticides (acetamiprid ACT, clothianidin CLT, dinotefuran DNT, imidacloprid IMD, nitenpyram NTP, thiacloprid TCP, and thiamethoxan THT) in wheat. The analytical procedure was based on simple and fast wheat sample cleanup using solid-phase extraction (SPE) to remove interferents and enrich the NEOs, alongside the NEOs' separation and quantification by reverse-phase chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (DAD). The validation process was validated using the accuracy profile strategy, a straightforward decision tool based on the measure of the total error (bias plus standard deviation) of the method. Our results proved that, in the future, at least 95% of the results obtained with the proposed method would fall within the ±15% acceptance limits. The test's cost-effectiveness, rapidity, and simplicity suggest its use for determining the levels of acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam in routine analyses of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With projections suggesting an increase in the global use of neonicotinoids, contemporary farmers can get caught on the "pesticide treadmill", thus creating ecosystem side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the sorption/desorption behavior of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and thiacloprid that controls their availability to other fate-determining processes and thus could be useful in leveling the risk these insecticides or their structural analogues pose to the environment, animals, and human health. Sorption/desorption isotherms in four soils with different organic matter (OC) content were modelled by nonlinear equilibrium models: Freundlich's, Langmuir's, and Temkin's. Sorption/desorption parameters obtained by Freundlich's model were correlated to soil physico-chemical characteristics. Even though the OC content had the dominant role in the sorption of the three insecticides, the role of its nature as well as the chemical structure of neonicotinoids cannot be discarded. Insecticides sorbed in the glassy OC phase will be poorly available unlike those in the rubbery regions. Imidacloprid will fill the sorption sites equally in the rubbery and glassy phases irrespective of its concentration. The sorption of thiacloprid at low concentrations and acetamiprid at high concentrations is controlled by hydrophilic aromatic structures, "trapping" the insecticides in the pores of the glassy phase of OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Neonicotinoids (NEOs) have been designed to act selectively on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, nAChRs are also expressed in vertebrate immune cells, so NEOs may interfere with the immune system in exposed non-target animals. The present study shows that NEOs: imidacloprid and thiacloprid, and their main metabolites: desnitro-imidacloprid and thiacloprid amide, at sub-micromolar concentrations ranging from 2.25 to 20 μM, affect the immune cells of fish. This was found both in primary cultures of leukocytes isolated from the carp head kidney and in the continuous adherent carp monocyte/macrophage cell line. Moreover, the results revealed that the studied pesticides and metabolites generate oxidative stress in carp immune cells and that this is one of the most important mechanisms of neonicotinoid immunotoxicity. Significant increases were observed in the formation of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA). The antioxidant status alteration was linked with decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Importantly, the metabolites: desnitro-imidacloprid and thiacloprid amide showed significantly higher cytotoxicity towards fish leukocytes than their parent compounds, imidacloprid and thiacloprid, which emphasizes the importance of including intermediate metabolites in toxicology studies.

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is an important potato pest with known resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates in Czechia. Decreased efficacy of neonicotinoids has been observed in last decade. After the restriction of using chlorpyrifos, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam by EU regulation, growers seek for information about the resistance of CPB to used insecticides and recommended antiresistant strategies. The development of CPB resistance to selected insecticides was evaluated in bioassays in 69 local populations from Czechia in 2017–2022 and in 2007–2022 in small plot experiments in Zabcice in South Moravia. The mortality in each subpopulation in the bioassays was evaluated at the field-recommended rates of insecticides to estimate the 50% and 90% lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90, respectively). High levels of CPB resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos were demonstrated throughout Czechia, without significant changes between years and regions. The average mortality after application of the field-recommended rate of lambda-cyhalothrin was influenced by temperature before larvae were sampled for bioassays and decreased with increasing temperature in June. Downwards trends in the LC90 values of chlorpyrifos and the average mortality after application of the field-recommended rate of acetamiprid in the bioassay were recorded over a 6-year period. The baseline LC50 value (with 95% confidence limit) of 0.04 mg/L of chlorantraniliprole was established for Czech populations of CPBs for the purpose of resistance monitoring in the next years. Widespread resistance to pyrethroids, organophosphates and neonicotinoids was demonstrated, and changes in anti-resistant strategies to control CPBs were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence in the environment and possible harmful effects of neonicotinoid insecticides have raised some concerns, which have led to the proposal of various measures for their remediation. The aim of this work was to study the elimination of five neonicotinoids (thiamethoxam (THM), imidacloprid (IMI), clothianidin (CLO), thiacloprid (THC), and acetamiprid (ACE)) using ferrate (Fe(VI)) as the oxidizing agent. Firstly, second-order rate constants for the reactions of neonicotinoids with Fe(VI) were determined at different pHs. The most reactive compound was THC, with a rate constant of 400 ± 43 M−1 s−1 at pH 8 (the optimum pH considering the predominance of the most reactive species (HFeO4−) and the decreasing self-decomposition of Fe(VI) with pH), followed by CLO (10.7 ± 1.7 M−1 s−1), THM (9.7 ± 0.7 M−1 s−1), and IMI (2.5 ± 0.6 M−1 s−1). ACE did not significantly react with Fe(VI). The oxidation of the selected pollutants in secondary effluents by Fe(VI) was rather slow, and only THC could be efficiently removed. The presence of natural organic matter (NOM) exerted a negative influence on the removal of the neonicotinoids of moderate reactivity with Fe(VI) (CLO, THM, and IMI). The additional presence of peroxymonosulfate (Fe(VI)/PMS system) slightly increased the removal of neonicotinoids due to the formation of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals. Finally, the application of the Fe(VI)/sulfite system considerably increased the oxidation rate of the selected pollutants, with enhanced formation of hydroxyl and, especially, sulfate radicals. Overall, these results suggest that the Fe(VI)/sulfite system has significant potential to address environmental and health concerns associated with neonicotinoids in water sources with low NOM content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insecticide known as neonicotinoid has negative impacts on the ecosystem, human health, and the environment; specifically, its effects on the relationship between crop yields and the death rate of natural pollinators, such as bees, affect food security. The active ingredients in neonicotinoids include imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, sulfoxaflor, and thiacloprid, which are sold under various trade names. For many of the components of these toxic insecticides, patents have been expired; however, farmers and consumers who continue to use these chemicals are unaware of the products' toxicity and the environmental effects they have. Thus, agricultural industries are required to consider diverse methods to minimize neonicotinoid use in farming operations and move away from the current prevailing methods. In this short review, the negative effects of neonicotinoid use; the toxic components, health effects, and environmental regulations of neonicotinoids; and sustainable methods to minimize their use are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) have been designed to act selectively on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, nAChRs are also expressed in vertebrate immune cells, so NEOs may interfere with the immune system in exposed non-target animals. The present study shows that NEOs: imidacloprid and thiacloprid, and their main metabolites: desnitro-imidacloprid and thiacloprid amide, at sub-micromolar concentrations ranging from 2.25 to 20 μM, affect the immune cells of fish. This was found both in primary cultures of leukocytes isolated from the carp head kidney and in the continuous adherent carp monocyte/macrophage cell line. Moreover, the results revealed that the studied pesticides and metabolites generate oxidative stress in carp immune cells and that this is one of the most important mechanisms of neonicotinoid immunotoxicity. Significant increases were observed in the formation of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA). The antioxidant status alteration was linked with decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Importantly, the metabolites: desnitro-imidacloprid and thiacloprid amide showed significantly higher cytotoxicity towards fish leukocytes than their parent compounds, imidacloprid and thiacloprid, which emphasizes the importance of including intermediate metabolites in toxicology studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoid pesticides are utilized against an extensive range of insects. A growing body of evidence supports that these neuro-active insecticides are classified as toxicants in invertebrates. However, there is limited published data regarding their toxicity in vertebrates and mammals. the current systematic review is focused on the up-to-date knowledge available for several neonicotinoid pesticides and their non-acute toxicity on rodents and human physiology. Oral lethal dose 50 (LD50) of seven neonicotinoids (i.e. imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, and nitenpyram) was initially identified. Subsequently, a screening of the literature was conducted to collect information about non-acute exposure to these insecticides. 99 studies were included and assessed for their risk of bias and level of evidence according to the Office of Health and Translation (OHAT) framework. All the 99 included papers indicate evidence of reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress induction with a high level of evidence in the health effect of rodents and a moderate level of evidence for human health. The most studied type of these insecticides among 99 papers was imidacloprid (55 papers), followed by acetamiprid (22 papers), clothianidin (21 papers), and thiacloprid (11 papers). While 10 of 99 papers assessed the relationship between clothianidin, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, and nitenpyram, showing evidence of liver injury, dysfunctions of oxidative stress markers in the reproductive system, and intestinal toxicity. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential risks caused by neonicotinoid insecticides to humans and rodents with salient health effects. However, further research is needed to better emphasize and understand the patho-physiological mechanisms of these insecticides, taking into account various factors that can influence their toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work has demonstrated that many bee species have specific cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) that can efficiently detoxify certain insecticides. The presence of these P450s, belonging or closely related to the CYP9Q subfamily (CYP9Q‐related), is generally well conserved across the diversity of bees. However, the alfalfa leafcutter bee, Megachile rotundata, lacks CYP9Q‐related P450s and is 170–2500 times more sensitive to certain insecticides than bee pollinators with these P450s. The extent to which these findings apply to other Megachilidae bee species remains uncertain. To address this knowledge gap, we sequenced the transcriptomes of four Megachile species and leveraged the data obtained, in combination with publicly available genomic data, to investigate the evolution and function of P450s in the Megachilidae. Our analyses reveal that several Megachilidae species, belonging to the Lithurgini, Megachilini and Anthidini tribes, including all species of the Megachile genus investigated, lack CYP9Q‐related genes. In place of these genes Megachile species have evolved phylogenetically distinct CYP9 genes, the CYP9DM lineage. Functional expression of these P450s from M. rotundata reveal they lack the capacity to metabolize the neonicotinoid insecticides thiacloprid and imidacloprid. In contrast, species from the Osmiini and Dioxyini tribes of Megachilidae have CYP9Q‐related P450s belonging to the CYP9BU subfamily that are able to detoxify thiacloprid. These findings provide new insight into the evolution of P450s that act as key determinants of insecticide sensitivity in bees and have important applied implications for pesticide risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an economically devastating crop pest worldwide. The M. persicae (SEF-R) population of a cabbage field in China was tested for susceptibilities to 13 insecticides. Compared with the susceptible population (FFJ-S), extremely high and high resistance to beta-cypermethrin (324-fold) and imidacloprid (106.9-fold) was detected in SEF-R. More importantly, this is the first report of resistance in the field M. persicae population to sulfoxaflor (32.4-fold), flupyradifurone (9.5-fold), pymetrozine (34.8-fold), spirotetramat (8.1-fold), flonicamid (5.8-fold), and broflanilide (15.8-fold) in China when compared with FFJ-S. The resistance factor decayed to a low level to sulfoxaflor and pymetrozine after 15 generations without any selection pressure. The resistance-related mutations (R81T and kdr) detected in SEF indicated target-site resistance to neonicotinoids and pyrethroids, respectively. Biochemical assays revealed the involvement of monooxygenase, carboxylesterase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase in a multi-insecticide resistance mechanism. The overexpression of P450s, esterases, and a UDP-glycosyltransferase might be responsible for the multi-insecticide resistance in SEF-R. The knockdown of CYP6CY3 in SEF-R increased its susceptibility to imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam, which verified that P450s play vital roles in neonicotinoid metabolism. Our findings provide guidance for the rational use of insecticides to delay resistance development in GPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia as a megadiverse country and the third largest rice producer in the world utilizes neonicotinoids, a group of systemic insecticides reported to have polluted environmental waters and reduced the abundance of aquatic invertebrates mostly in sub-tropical and temperate countries. To date, no study and regulation on neonicotinoid pollution have been established in Indonesian environmental waters which situates in tropical zone. This research investigated neonicotinoid pollution in seven types of environmental waters of Indramayu Regency (one of the largest rice-producing areas in Indonesia), and assessed the potential risk and toxicity level of detected neonicotinoids to the tropical aquatic environment. Data collections included water sampling and analysis using LC/MS/MS. Results showed that the detection frequency of neonicotinoids was 53% (in 17 out of 32 samples), with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam being the most common compounds detected. The highest total concentration (140.26 ng/L) and the highest concentrations of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, and acetamiprid (48.98 ng/L, 65.14 ng/L, 16.66 ng/L, 23.12 ng/L, and 25.04 ng/L, respectively) were detected in estuaries and mangrove areas. No sample was found to have neonicotinoid concentration above the acute and chronic toxicities of several tropical aquatic organisms assessed. About 19% of the samples contained imidacloprid exceeding the chronic thresholds regulated by The Netherlands, while 6% were also above The United States' regulation, thus encouraging the establishment of necessary actions to prevent unwanted disturbance to the aquatic ecosystem. This study delivered the first report of the occurrence of seven neonicotinoid compounds in seven types of Indonesian environmental waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are one of the newest groups of systemic pesticides, effective on a wide range of invertebrate pests. The success of neonicotinoids can be assessed according to the amount used, for example, in the Czech Republic, which now accounts for 1/3 of the insecticide market. The European Union (EU) has a relatively interesting attitude towards neonicotinoids. Three neonicotinoid substances (imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam) were severely restricted in 2013. In 2019, imidacloprid and clothianidin were banned, while thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were banned in 2020. In 2022, another substance, sulfoxaflor, was banned. Therefore, only two neonicotinoid substances (acetamiprid and flupyradifurone) are approved for outdoor use in the EU. Neonicotinoids enter aquatic ecosystems in many ways. In European rivers, neonicotinoids usually occur in nanograms per litre. Due to the low toxicity of neonicotinoids to standard test species, they were not expected to significantly impact the aquatic ecosystem until later studies showed that aquatic invertebrates, especially insects, are much more sensitive to neonicotinoids. In addition to the lethal effects, many studies point to sublethal impacts - reduced reproductive capacity, initiation of downstream drift of organisms, reduced ability to eat, or a change in feeding strategies. Neonicotinoids can affect individuals, populations, and entire ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of sonication energy effect on in-situ synthesis of deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction process was performed in fresh fruit samples for extraction of five neonicotinoids insecticide including clothianidin, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid. A suitable amount of choline chloride was dissolved in sample solution and it was poured into a glass narrow-bore tube. Then, a sodium chloride tablet was taken and a few microlitres of hexanoic acid were penetrated into the tablet and it was released into the tube. The narrow–bore tube was located into an ultrasonic bath at controlled frequency and power. The sodium chloride tablet started to dissolve and hexanoic acid was released into the solution and hydrogen bonding was correlated between the ChCl and hexanoic acid. The formed deep eutectic solvent went up through the sample solution and analytes were extracted into the ChCl: hexanoic acid DES. Validation parameters were calculated and low limits of detection (0.04–0.31 ng mL–1) and quantification (0.13–1.03 ng mL–1), high enrichment factors (1280–1780) and extraction recoveries (64–89%), and acceptable precision (RSD ≤7.2%) were obtained. Lastly, the procedure was done on some fresh fruit samples imidacloprid and acetamiprid were detected on some samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are a class of insecticides that have high insecticidal activity and are extensively used worldwide. However, increasing evidence suggests their long-term residues in the environment and toxic effects on nontarget organisms. NEO residues are frequently detected in water and consequently have created increasing levels of pollution and pose significant risks to humans. Many studies have focused on NEO concentrations in water; however, few studies have focused on global systematic reviews or meta-analyses of NEO concentrations in water. The purpose of this review is to conduct a meta-analysis on the concentration of NEOs in global waters based on published detections from several countries to extend knowledge on the application of NEOs. In the present study, 43 published papers from 10 countries were indexed for a meta-analysis of the global NEO distribution in water. Most of these studies focus on the intensive agricultural area, such as eastern Asia and North America. The order of mean concentrations is identified as imidacloprid (119.542 ± 15.656 ng L−1) > nitenpyram (88.076 ± 27.144 ng L−1) > thiamethoxam (59.752 ± 9.068 ng L−1) > dinotefuran (31.086 ± 9.275 ng L−1) > imidaclothiz (24.542 ± 2.906 ng L−1) > acetamiprid (23.360 ± 4.015 ng L−1) > thiacloprid (11.493 ± 5.095 ng L−1). Moreover, the relationships between NEO concentrations and some environmental factors are analyzed. NEO concentrations increase with temperature, oxidation–reduction potential, and the percentage of cultivated crops but decrease with stream discharge, pH, dissolved oxygen, and precipitation. NEO concentrations show no significant relations to turbidity and conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This field experiment on the evaluation of insecticides against cotton leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) in Gossypium hirsutum L. was conducted at Hisar (Haryana) during kharif 2019. Based on mean of both sprays, the least counts of nymphs and adults was observed with flonicamid 50%WG @ 150 g ha-1 (0.84 nymphs and 1.73 adults/ 3 leaves) followed by dinotefuran 20%SG @ 150 g ha-1 (1.49 nymphs and 2.06 adults/ 3 leaves) and diafenthiuron 50%WP @ 500 g ha-1 (1.65 nymphs and 2.25 adults/ 3 leaves). Imidacloprid 17.8%SL @ 100 ml ha-1, thiacloprid 21.7% SC @ 125 ml ha-1, thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 100 g ha-1 and buprofezin 25% SC @ 1000 ml ha-1 were moderately effective. Insecticide sprays reduced the occurrence of natural enemies (spiders, coccinellids and Chrysoperla) only insignificantly. The maximum seed cotton yield was obtained with flonicamid (21.60 q ha-1) followed by dinotefuran (20.99 q ha-1), diafenthiuron (20.71 q ha-1), imidacloprid (20.41 q ha-1), thiacloprid (20.12 q ha-1), buprofezin (19.87 q ha-1), thiamethoxam (19.83 q ha-1) and monocrotophos (19.37 q ha-1). The incremental cost-benefit ratio was maximum with imidacloprid (1:6.36) followed by thiacloprid (1:5.64), thiamethoxam (1:5.29), monocrotophos (1:4.74), dinotefuran (1:4.38), flonicamid (1:3.99), buprofezin (1:3.86) and diafenthiuron (1:3.19). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high efficient surface-enhanced Raman scatterring (SERS) methods to detect thiacloprid and imidacloprid were established using ZIF-8-wrapped Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) modified with β -cyclodextrin (β -CD). The substrate of ZIF-8/ β -CD@AgNPs was characterized by ultraviolet visible spectra (UV–vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The interaction between the substrate and thiacloprid/imidacloprid was also explored. The optimum measurement conditions were obtained by response surface model based on single-factor experiments. Enhancement factors (EFs) of thiacloprid and imidacloprid were respectively 2.29 × 106 and 2.60 × 106. A good linearity between the scattering intensity and the concentration of thiacloprid/imidacloprid within 3–1000 nmol L−1/6–400 nmol L−1 was established. The interference experiments indicated that the methods had good selectivity. The SERS methods were successfully applied to detect thiacloprid and imidacloprid in several vegetables samples. The recoveries ranged from 95.5 % to 105 % (n = 5). The detection limits (LODs) (S/N = 3) for thiacloprid and imidacloprid were 1.50 and 0.83 nmol L−1, respectively. [Display omitted] • A novel SERS substrate ZIF-8/ β -CD@AgNPs was synthesized and adequately characterized. • Enhancement factors of three substrates for thiacloprid/imidacloprid were compared. • SERS enhancement mechanism of thiacloprid/imidacloprid was discussed. • The methods were applied to test pesticide residues in vegetable samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of neonicotinoids (NEOs) in agricultural production has led to their pervasive presence in various environmental matrices, including human samples. Given the central role of fruits and vegetables in daily human diets, it is crucial to evaluate the levels of NEOs residues and their potential health risks. In this study, 3104 vegetable samples and 1567 fruit samples from the Shenzhen city were analyzed. Using the relative potency factor (RPF) method, the residue levels of six representative neonicotinoids, including imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), thiamethoxam (THM), dinotefuran (DIN), clothianidin (CLO), thiacloprid (THI), were systematically evaluated. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) for both children and adults were calculated to gauge the prevalence and potential health risks of NEOs in fruits and vegetables. Acetamiprid (ACE) was the most frequently detected NEO in vegetables (69.4%) and fruits (73.9%), making it the predominant contributor to total residues. Further analyses indicated notably higher levels of imidacloprid-equivalent total neonicotinoids (IMI RPF) in root and tuber vegetables (3025 μg/kg) and other fruits (243 μg/kg). A significant strong positive correlation (r = 0.748, P < 0.05) was observed between thiamethoxam (THM) and clothianidin (CLO), possibly due to their shared metabolic pathways. Although the mean HI values for adults and children from daily fruit (adults: 0.02, children: 0.01) and vegetable (adults: 0.02, children: 0.03) intake were generally below safety thresholds, some maximum HI values exceeded these limits, indicating that the potential health risks associated with NEOs exposure should not be overlooked. [Display omitted] • ACE is the most commonly detected neonicotinoid, dominating residue levels. • CLO and THM show a strong positive correlation. • The health risk from fruit and vegetable intake is low for both children and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide toxicity is typically assessed by exposing model organisms to individual compounds and measuring effects on survival and reproduction. These tests are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and do not accurately capture the effect of pesticide mixtures. Moreover, it is unfeasible to screen the nearly infinite combinations of mixtures for synergistic effects on model organisms. Therefore, reliable molecular indicators of pesticide exposure have to be identified, i.e., biomarkers. These biomarkers can form the basis of rapid and economical screening procedures to assess the toxicity of pesticides even under synergistic interaction with other pollutants. In this study, we screened the expression patterns of eight genes for suitability as a biomarker for neonicotinoid exposure in the soil ecotoxicological model Folsomia candida (springtails). Springtails were exposed to the neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiacloprid either alone or with various levels of piperonyl butoxide (PBO), which inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs): a common point of synergistic interaction between neonicotinoid and other pesticides. First, we confirmed PBO as a potency enhancer for neonicotinoid toxicity to springtail fecundity, and then used it as a tool to confirm biomarker robustness. We identified two genes that are reliably indicative for neonicotinoid exposure even under metabolic inhibition of CYPs by PBO, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor–subunit alpha 1 (nAchR) and sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporter (SMCT). These results can form the basis for developing high-throughput screening procedures for neonicotinoid exposure in varying mixture compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the residue levels of six parent neonicotinoids (p-NEOs) and four metabolites (m-NEOs) in indoor dust collected from 12 cities of China. Acetamiprid (ACE) and imidacloprid (IMI) were the predominated p-NEOs (detection rates: 98%) with the median values at 4.54 and 7.48 ng/g dry weight (dw), respectively. N-demethyl-acetamiprid (N-dm-ACE) was the most important m-NEO with the median value at 0.69 ng/g dw, while other m-NEOs were rarely detected (detection rates: < 15%). Significant correlation between ACE and thiacloprid (THD) was observed (p < 0.01), indicating their probably concurrent applications. ACE was significantly correlated to N-dm-ACE (p < 0.01), implicating the degradation of ACE in indoor environment. The estimated daily intake (EDIing) of NEOs via dust ingestion were far lower than the acceptable daily intake for NEOs. To our knowledge, this study provided a baseline nationwide investigation on the occurrence of NEOs in indoor dust of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of surface and groundwater by neonicotinoids is a global problem and requires comprehensive action by individual countries in order to identify in detail the processes affecting the transport of these pesticides, their properties, and their harmfulness to the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the transport (expressed by sorption parameters) of selected neonicotinoids in the aquatic environment, using batch tests. Tests were carried out for acetamiprid individually and a mixture of five neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam), for three different aquifer materials and quartz sand. Based on the obtained values of the sorption parameters, the greatest sorption of neonicotinoids was observed on soil with the highest content of organic matter and clay minerals content, while no sorption of these pesticides was observed on quartz sand. In addition, it was noticed that individual neonicotinoids undergo sorption to a different degree -- thiacloprid was the most sorbed (R-value in the range 3.13--26.03), while thiamethoxam was the least (R-value in the range 1.89--8.41). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are the most commonly used insecticides due to their effectiveness. However, non-targeted insects, especially bees, are also affected by neonicotinoids. Therefore, neonicotinoid application can contribute to the declining bee populations worldwide. The presented study describes the development of novel competitive, fluorescent microsphere-based suspension immunoassays for neonicotinoid profiling and their application to bees and essential bee-related matrices, using the Multi-Analyte Profiling (xMAP) technology. For the construction of these neonicotinoid microsphere immunoassays (nMIAs), neonicotinoid–ovalbumin conjugates were coupled to unique fluorescent, paramagnetic microspheres, which competed with the free neonicotinoids that were present in test samples for interacting with the corresponding, specific antibodies. In total, five independent nMIA's were developed for the detection of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, nitenpyram and imidaclothiz with the limits of detection being for 0.01 ng/mL, 0.01 ng/mL, 0.02 ng/mL, 0.02 ng/mL, 0.003 ng/mL, 2.95 ng/mL, 0.09 ng/mL and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. The developed nMIAs were applied to fortified matrices including surface water, pollen, honey and honeybees. All of the neonicotinoids, except dinotefuran, could be sensitively detected in all of the tested environmental matrices and bees, with there being sensitivities of 1 ng/mL in water and 10 ng/g in solid materials. These nMIAs provide a rapid profiling method for all of the common neonicotinoids, including those that are banned by the European Union for outdoor use. The developed method can contribute to healthy and sustainable beekeeping, globally, via its application in the apiary environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological effects of neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) have been reported for mammals, such as humans, rats, and mice. However, there are limited reports on their toxic effects on wild mammals. To predict NNI‐induced toxic effects on wild mammals, it is necessary to determine the exposure levels and metabolic ability of these species. We considered that raccoons could be an animal model for evaluating NNI‐induced toxicities on wildlife because they live near agricultural fields and eat crops treated with NNIs. The objective of the present study was to estimate the effects of NNI exposure on wild raccoons. Urinary concentrations of NNI compounds (n = 59) and cytochrome P450‐dependent metabolism of NNIs (n = 3) were evaluated in wild raccoons captured in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2020. We detected either one of the six NNIs or one metabolite, including acetamiprid, imidacloprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and desmethyl‐acetamiprid in 90% of raccoons (53/59); the average cumulative concentration of the seven NNI compounds was 3.1 ng/ml. The urinary concentrations were not much different from those reported previously for humans. Furthermore, we performed an in vitro assessment of the ability of raccoons to metabolize NNIs using hepatic microsomes. The amounts of NNI metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry and compared with those in rats. Raccoons showed much lower metabolic ability; the maximum velocity/Michaelis–Menten constant (Vmax/Km) values for raccoons were one‐tenth to one‐third of those for rats. For the first time, we show that wild raccoons could be frequently exposed to NNIs in the environment, and that the cytochrome P450‐dependent metabolism of NNIs in the livers of raccoons might be low. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of NNIs on raccoons, leading to better conservation efforts for wild mammals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1865–1874. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the high toxicity of neonicotinoids to the survival and reproduction of adult earthworms has become apparent in standard 56‐day toxicity tests. The persistence of some neonicotinoids and/or their repeated application may lead to long‐term exposure, possibly also affecting other parts of the life cycle of earthworms. The present study aimed at providing insight into the sublethal effects of imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and clothianidin on juvenile Eisenia andrei exposed for 16 weeks in Lufa 2.2 soil. Significant effects on growth and maturation were observed for all compounds. Exposure to 0.125 mg imidacloprid/kg dry soil and 0.03125 and 0.0625 mg thiacloprid/kg dry soil significantly affected the growth of the earthworms, while significant maturation effects were observed at 0.03125 mg/kg dry soil for imidacloprid and thiacloprid and 0.25 mg clothianidin/kg dry soil. The 16‐week no‐observed‐effect concentrations (NOECs) found in the present study were lower than previously reported NOECs for effects on earthworm reproduction. Predicted environmental concentrations after a single application exceeded the observed NOECs for effects on earthworm maturation in the case of imidacloprid and thiacloprid and for effects on earthworm growth in the case of thiacloprid and clothianidin. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1686–1695. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy of eight insecticides along with five plant extracts were tested during rabi 2017-18 and kharif 2018-19 at Agricultural Research Station, Virinjipuram, Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Four applications of treatments viz., acetamiprid 20 SP @ 30 g ai ha-1, imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 44.5 g ai ha-1, spiromesifen 240 SC @ 120 g ai ha-1, thiacloprid 240 SC @ 120 g ai ha-1, thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 50 g ai ha-1, diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 250 g ai ha-1, dimethoate 30 EC @ 300 g ai ha-1 and profenophos 50 EC @ 300 g ai ha-1, azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 3.0 mL L-1, neem seed kernel extract 5%, the leaf extracts of neem, Bougainvillea and sorghum/coconut at 10% along with an untreated check at one month interval on 30 day old plants were given. The results showed that spraying of spiromesifen (3.0 Nos. per 3 leaves) was found to record the lowest population of whitefly throughout the crop period followed by thiacloprid (3.3 Nos. per 3 leaves) and thiamethoxam (3.4 Nos. per 3 leaves). The highest population reduction of 79.2, 77.6 and 76.8% was achieved in plots treated with spiromesifen, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam, respectively, over untreated check. With respect to viral disease, spraying of spiromesifen recorded the least incidence of mosaic (4.4%) followed by thiacloprid (5.2%), thiamethoxam (5.9%) and azadirachtin (6.2%). The plots treated with spiromesifen, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam recorded the highest fruit yield of 28.8, 28.0 and 27.2 t ha-1, respectively, with 36.6, 32.9 and 29.3% increase over untreated check and also the highest cost: benefit ratio [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids, sometimes abbreviated as neonics, represent a class of neuro-active insecticides with chemical similarities to nicotine. Neonicotinoids are the most widely adopted group of insecticides globally since their discovery in the late 1980s. Their physiochemical properties surpass those of previously established insecticides, contributing to their popularity in various sectors such as agriculture and wood treatment. The environmental impact of neonicotinoids, often overlooked, underscores the urgency to develop tools for their detection and understanding of their behavior. Conventional methods for pesticide detection have limitations. Chromatographic techniques are sensitive but expensive, generate waste, and require complex sample preparation. Bioassays lack specificity and accuracy, making them suitable as preliminary tests in conjunction with instrumental methods. Aptamer-based biosensor is recognized as an advantageous tool for neonicotinoids detection due to its rapid response, user-friendly nature, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for on-site detection. This comprehensive review represents the inaugural in-depth analysis of advancements in aptamer-based biosensors targeting neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, nitenpyram, and dinotefuran. Additionally, the review offers valuable insights into the critical challenges requiring prompt attention for the successful transition from research to practical field applications. [Display omitted] • The review investigates strategies for selecting and applying aptamers against common neonicotinoid in biosensors. • Various aptasensors are examined, with a focus on enhancing sensitivity through nanomaterial surface modifications. • The fundamental working principles and mechanisms underlying aptasensing strategies were discussed. • A comparison of different aptasensing strategies was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides commonly used for pest control in agriculture and veterinary applications. Due to their widespread use, neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) are found in different environmental compartments, including water, soils, and biota, in which their high toxicity towards non-target organisms is a matter of great concern. Given their widespread use and high toxicity, the development of strategies to remove neonics, while avoiding further environmental contamination is of high priority. In this work, ionic-liquid-based materials, comprising silica modified with tetraalkylammonium cations and the chloride anion, were explored as alternative adsorbent materials to remove four neonics insecticides, namely imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam, from aqueous media. These materials or supported ionic liquids (SILs) were first synthesized and chemically characterized and further applied in adsorption studies. It was found that the equilibrium concentration of the adsorbate in the solid phase decreases with the decrease in the SIL cation alkyl chain length, reinforcing the relevance of hydrophobic interactions between ionic liquids (ILs) and insecticides. The best-identified SIL for the adsorption of the studied insecticides corresponds to silica modified with propyltrioctylammonium chloride ([Si][N3888]Cl). The saturation of SILs was reached in 5 min or less, showing their fast adsorption rate towards all insecticides, in contrast with activated carbon (benchmark) that requires 40 to 60 min. The best fitting of the experimental kinetic data was achieved with the Pseudo Second-Order model, meaning that the adsorption process is controlled at the solid-liquid interface. On the other hand, the best fitting of the experimental isotherm data is given by the Freundlich isotherm model, revealing that multiple layers of insecticides onto the SIL surface may occur. The continuous removal efficiency of the best SIL ([Si][N3888]Cl) by solid-phase extraction was finally appraised, with the maximum adsorption capacity decreasing in the following sequence: imidacloprid > thiacloprid > thiamethoxam > acetamiprid. Based on real reported values, under ideal conditions, 1 g of [Si][N3888]Cl is able to treat at least 106 m3 of wastewater and water from wetland contaminated with the studied neonics. In summary, the enhanced adsorption capacity of SILs for a broad diversity of neonics was demonstrated, reinforcing the usefulness of these materials for their removal from aqueous matrices and thus contributing to preventing their introduction into the ecosystems and reducing their detrimental effects in the environment and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The efficacy of crystalline contact insecticides is dependent foremost on the uptake of insecticide molecules by insect tarsi contacting crystal surfaces. Insecticide molecules, however, may organize in more than one way in the crystalline state, resulting in more than one crystalline form (also known as polymorph). We recently discovered that the lethality of contact insecticides increases with decreasing thermodynamic stability of the crystalline forms; the most stable crystalline form is invariably the least lethal/slowest acting. Polymorphism in contact insecticides, and its importance to efficacy, was largely unknown to the vector control community. It is argued that the crystallographic characterization of contact insecticide solids should be systematic to identify more active solid forms. Herein, we report seven new crystal structures, mostly pyrethroid insecticides recommended by the WHO for indoor residual spraying, as well as a new form of a neonicotinoid insecticide. These results further highlight polymorphism in contact insecticides and the importance of solid-state chemistry in the search for more active crystal forms. The active forms of contact insecticides used for combatting mosquito-borne infectious diseases are typically crystalline solids. Numerous molecular crystals are polymorphic, crystallizing in several solid forms characterized by different physicochemical properties, including bioavailability. Our laboratory recently found that the activity of crystalline contact insecticides is inversely dependent on the thermodynamic stability of their polymorphs, suggesting that efficacy can be enhanced by the manipulation of the solid-state structure. This paper argues that crystallography should be central to the development of contact insecticides, particularly because their efficacy continues to be compromised by insecticide resistance, especially among Anopheles mosquito populations that spread malaria. Although insecticidal compounds with new modes of action have been introduced to overcome resistance, new insecticides are expensive to develop and implement. The repurposing of existing chemical agents in metastable, more active crystalline forms provides an inexpensive and efficient method for 'evergreening' compounds whose risks are already well-established. We report herein seven new single-crystal structures of insecticides used for controlling infectious disease vectors. The structures reported herein include pyrethroid insecticides recommended by the WHO for indoor residual spraying (IRS)-bifenthrin, β-cyfluthrin, etofenprox, α-cypermethrin, and λ-cyhalothrin as well as the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the relative susceptibility of insecticides viz., imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, flonicamid, clothianidin, diafenthiuron, spiromesifen, thiodicarb and chlorpyriphos against field collected population of Amrasca (S.) biguttula. Out of nine insecticides, maximum susceptibility was observed with thiamethoxam. The descending order of susceptibility was observed as thiamethoxam> thiacloprid> diafenthiuron> spiromesifen> imidacloprid> clothianidin> flonicamid> thiodicarb> chlorpyriphos. Based on the relative toxicity value it was observed that the insecticides such as chlorpyriphos, thiodicarb, flonicamid and clothianidin were 14.04, 12.01, 9.43 and 9.41x, respectively less toxic as compared to thiamethoxam. The detoxification enzyme assay revealed that the activity of esterase was high in thiamethoxam and thiacloprid exposed leafhopper, while cytochrome p450 activity was high in spiromesifen, thiamethoxam and thiacloprid exposed ones. Elevated level of esterase and cytochrome p450 in the insecticide exposed leafhoppers indicates the probability of insecticide resistance development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pistachio is an economically valuable crop, and Iran is among the biggest producers, exporters, and consumers of this product in the world. During the growing season, pistachios are subjected to multiple sprayings with various pesticides, which result in the accumulation of their residues in nuts. These residues have raised concerns regarding consumers' health. In this research, uptake and dissipation kinetics of insecticides imidacloprid (IMI), thiacloprid (THI), thiamethoxam (THX), and abamectin (ABA) were investigated in pistachio nuts. Field experiments were conducted in a pistachio orchard. Pistachio trees were sprayed with the recommended dose of each insecticide formulation and water as the control. Samplings were performed for up to 49 days. Based on the results, pesticides uptake and dissipation kinetics were best fitted to first-order exponential growth (FOEG) and single first-order kinetic (SFOK) models, respectively. Variations in pesticides uptake/dissipation rates were mostly related to their water solubility, pKa, and log Kow. THX showed a higher uptake rate (0.16 ± 0.04) compared to IMI (0.10 ± 0.01) and THI (0.06 ± 0.01). The fastest dissipation rates were observed for IMI (0.04 ± 0.002 day−1) and THX (0.03 ± 0.001 day−1), while the slowest belonged to THI (0.02 ± 0.003 day−1). ABA residues were below the quantification limit (LOQ) throughout the experiment. Based on FOEG and SFOK model predictions, multiple sprayings with THI and THX resulted in final concentrations exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL). Hazard quotients for all pesticides were <1, indicating no risk to humans via consumption of the pistachio nut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to introduce effective agent(s) among some novel and conventional insecticides in the management of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917), the most destructive insect pest of tomato throughout the world, in the lethal and sublethal terms of features. Toxicity of five chemical pesticides, including azadirachtin, emamectin benzoate, imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and thiacloprid, was determined on 2nd-instar larvae of T. absoluta by leaf-dipping method in a growth chamber with 25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D). The least LC50 value was attained with emamectin benzoate (0.52 mg A.I./L) among tested insecticides. Demographic parameters of the pest, including GRR (gross reproductive rate), R0 (net reproductive rate), rm (intrinsic rate of increase), T (mean generation time), and ? (finite rate of increase) along with larval, pupal, and pre-adult periods were more affected by emamectin benzoate and azadirachtin. Adult pre-oviposition period (APOP) (1.04 days), female longevity (18.17 days), male longevity (17.88 days), oviposition period (4.21 days), and fecundity (38.67 egg/female) were low by emamectin benzoate. In the treatments by emamectin benzoate and azadirachtin, the survival of fourth-instar larvae, pupae, and adults of insect was reduced in comparison to control. Accordingly, based on the highest adverse possessions of emamectin benzoate and azadirachtin on survival, life history, and demographic parameters of T. absoluta, the applicability of other tested insecticides imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and thiacloprid may be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during Ambia bahar - 2019 in the orchard of All India Coordinated Research Project on Arid Zone fruits, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (M.P.K.V.), Rahuri, Ahmednagar, to evaluate the efficacy of newer insecticides against pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae. After the application of two sprays, the data revealed that spirotetramat + imidacloprid 240 SC @ 60+60 g a.i. ha-1 consistently proved to be the most promising insecticide by recording the lowest number of aphids per shoot (2.63). It was, however at par with fipronil 5 SC @ 100 g a.i. ha-1 and cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD @ 75 g a.i. ha-1, which recorded 2.83 and 3.18 aphids per shoot, respectively. This was followed by tolfenpyrad 15 EC @ 150 g a.i. ha-1 (4.86) and thiacloprid 240 SC @ 180 g a.i. ha-1 (4.94). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to evaluate the efficacy of constructed floating wetlands (CFW) in removing agrochemicals (nutrients and pesticides), a series of experiments were run continuously for a 16-week period in pilot-scale CFW systems to study the effect of two aquatic plant species (duckweed and water hyacinth) and climatic parameters. The CFW systems were loaded daily with agricultural polluted water containing a fertilizer and five pesticides, whose concentrations and removal efficiencies were measured in the experiments. Average nutrient and pesticide reductions varied from 27.4% to 83.6% and from 12.4% to 42.7%, respectively. The two plants performed almost equally well. High temperatures and increased solar radiation significantly contributed to increased removal performance. The results suggest the use of CFW systems as effective and low-cost agricultural pollution control technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is one of the serious insect pests in tomato and potato farms. Along with acute toxicity, effects of emamectin benzoate alone and mixed with some conventional insecticides on esterase enzymes and the protein content of T. absoluta second‐instar larvae were assessed in the current study. After 72 h exposure time, emamectin benzoate had the most toxicity (LC50 = 0.52 mg a.i. L−1), followed by azadirachtin (LC50 = 5.19 mg a.i. L−1), indoxacarb (LC50 = 7.13 mg a.i. L−1), imidocloprid (LC50 = 44.63 mg a.i. L−1), thiacloprid (LC50 = 293.92 mg a.i. L−1) and lambda‐cyhalothrin (LC50 = 610.08 mg a.i. L−1). Although emamectin benzoate mixed with either azadirachtin or indoxacarb at LC15: LC15 (Lethal Concentration to kill 15% tested insects) ratio had synergistic effects, its combination with imidacloprid or thiacloprid showed additive interactions. However, emamectin benzoate mixed with imidacloprid at both LC25: LC25 and LC50: LC50 ratios showed synergistic effects. Lambda‐cyhalothrin mixed with emamectin benzoate showed an antagonistic interaction in all tested ratios. α‐esterase activity of larvae increased when emamectin benzoate was mixed with thiacloprid in comparison with emamectin benzoate alone and the control. Combinations of emamectin benzoate with either azadirachtin or indoxacarb significantly reduced the total protein content of larvae. Generally, it can be concluded that the combination of emamectin benzoate with either azadirachtin, indoxacarb, or imidacloprid resulted in more negative impacts against T. absoluta larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field studies were conducted in two villages viz., Mambattu and Salai in Tamil Nadu to assess the toxicity of five neonicotinoids viz., imidacloprid 17.8 SL, acetamiprid 20 SP, thiacloprid 21.7 SC, thiamethoxam 25 WDG and clothianidin 50 WDG to coccinellid predators in Bt cotton. At 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after treatment, standard check monocrotophos recorded maximum reduction of 78.8, 83.5, 70.4 and 62.6% respectively. Among neonicotinoids, clothianidin was found to be comparatively more toxic to coccinellids, followed by thiamethoxam and thiacloprid. Acetamiprid was found to be safest among chemical treatments with population reduction of 45.6, 53.9, 36.5 and 24.7% respectively at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after treatment followed by imidacloprid and thiacloprid. Two rounds of spray of neonicotinoids on Bt cotton had significant impact on the coccinellids, when compared with untreated control plots. However, monocrotophos recorded relatively lowest population of coccinellids compared to untreated control and neonicotinoids. With significant population built-up after 7 days after acetamiprid and imidacloprid sprays, the 2 neonicotinoids may be suitable candidates for inclusion in integrated pest management of sucking insect pests in major Bt cotton growing areas as these insecticides are comparatively less toxic to predators as compared to other neonicotinoids like thiacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin and non-selective insecticide like monocrotophos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) devices have been suggested for measuring time‐weighted averages (TWAs) of contaminant concentrations resulting from chemical leak accidents in aquatic environments. However, the response of the POCIS device in the emergency condition in natural water remains unclear. The response of the POCIS device to contaminant fluctuation was investigated using a chamber test with tap water and a channel test with natural water. The fluctuation in the chamber and the channel simulated the condition of river water under a chemical leak scenario (maximum concentration: 1–10 μg L–1, half‐life: 1 day). The target chemicals were neonicotinoid pesticides (dinotefuran, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid) and bisphenol A. The ratio of the POCIS measured value to the TWA values of grab samplings (POCIS/TWA) for the channel test (temperature: 15 °C, flow velocity: 15 cm s–1) ranged from 61% (clothianidin) to 133% (thiacloprid). The results indicated that the POCIS device could be effectively used as a monitoring device in an aquatic environment under the chemical leak scenario over a time period of more than14 days. In addition, the POCIS/TWA ratios obtained from the chamber test and the channel test were in the range of 50–150%. Thus, the chamber test could be used to evaluate the POCIS device at a low cost. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3010–3018. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) are now popular in many agricultural systems across Africa; however, the extent of human exposures to NNIs in African countries is scarcely reported. The present study evaluates neonicotinoid exposures in the consumer population of Kumasi, a cosmopolitan city in Ghana. A total of 75 human urine samples were collected from healthy volunteers (nonfarmers, aged 13–80 yr) and analyzed with a liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry system. Seven NNIs and 3 NNI metabolites were detected in the following pattern (frequency, median concentration, maximum concentration): N‐dm‐acetamiprid (94.7%, 0.41 µg/L, 8.79 µg/L) > imidacloprid (70.7%, 0.15 µg/L, 211.62 µg/L) > N‐(6‐chloro‐3‐pyridylmethyl)‐N‐ethyl‐N′‐methylformamidine (62.2%, 0.43 µg/L, 53.85 µg/L) > 2‐[N‐(6‐chloro‐3‐pyridylmethyl)‐N‐ethylamino]‐2‐(methylimino)acetic acid (56.8%, 0.10 µg/L, 3.53 µg/L) > clothianidin (40%, >limit of quantification [LOQ], 0.45 µg/L) > nitenpyram (18.7%, >LOQ, 0.14 µg/L) ≈ thiamethoxam (18.7%, >LOQ, 0.21 µg/L) > dinotefuran (12.0%, >LOQ, 1.01 µg/L) > acetamiprid (2.7%, >LOQ, 0.08 µg/L) ≈ thiacloprid (2.7%, >LOQ, 0.14 µg/L). Approximately 92% of the subjects were found to be exposed to multiple neonicotinoids simultaneously. The mean, median, and maximum imidacloprid equivalent of the relative potency factor of NNIs were found to be 1.6, 0.5, and 22.52, respectively. The median estimated daily intakes of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and nitenpyram were 0.47, 1.27, and 0.02 µg/kg/d for females and 0.91, 0.66, and 0.08 µg/kg/d for males, respectively. The maximum daily intakes of all the NNIs were <1% of their chronic reference doses (cRfDs), except for imidacloprid and thiacloprid which recorded maximum daily intakes corresponding to 17.97 and 8.28% of cRfDs, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first biomonitoring report on neonicotinoid insecticides in Africa. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2306–2318. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are selective modulators of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These widely deployed insecticides interact with the orthosteric sites of nAChRs, not only to activate nAChRs on their own, but also to block the desensitizing component of nAChR responses. To date recombinant vertebrate or insect/vertebrate hybrid nAChRs have been deployed to understand the mechanism of selectivity and diversity of neonicotinoid actions as well as to show that both α/α and α/non‐α interfaces are involved in the interactions with neonicotinoids. However, many of the fine details of insecticide interactions with sites on nAChRs remain to be resolved. The breakthrough of functional expression of insect nAChRs allows such questions to be addressed, not only for neonicotinoids but for other insecticides targeting insect nAChRs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition and pesticide exposure are severe factors contributing to the current losses of honeybee colonies. As these stressors often occur combined, we studied the synergistic effects of different diets and pesticide exposure on food choice and mobility of Apis mellifera. We fed beehives with different food sources and exposed the bees to sublethal doses of thiacloprid. After that three different types of honey and pollen were offered in separate choice assays and behaviour towards food was recorded. Thiacloprid significantly affected the food choice in the honey assay, increasing the bees' preference of polyfloral honey, while pre-pesticide diet had no influence. The pollen choice remained similar regardless of treatments, as bees always preferred polyfloral pollen. Interestingly, pesticide exposure affected bee mobility differently, depending on the previous diet. These results indicate that the diet is an important factor influencing the susceptibility to pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides that have raised considerable concerns for both environmental and human health. However, there lack of comprehensive evaluation of their accumulation in surface water ecosystems and exposure to various human groups. Additionally, there's a distinct lack of scientific evidence describing the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic impacts of neonicotinoids from surface water. Using an integrated approach employing the Relative Potency Factor (RPF), Hazard Index (HI), and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS), the study assessed neonicotinoid exposure and risk to four demographic groups via dermal contact and mistaken oral intake pathways in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), China. Neonicotinoid concentrations range from 0.1 to 408.12 ng/L, indicating potential risk (10−3 to 10−1) across the studied demographic groups. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for dermal contact was within a moderate range of 2.00 × 10−3 to 1.67 × 10−2, while the mistaken oral intake was also within a moderate range of 3.07 × 10−3 to 7.05 × 10−3. The Hazard Index (HI) for dermal exposure ranged from 1.49 × 10−2 to 0.125, while for mistaken oral intake, it varied between 2.69 × 10−2 and 0.14. The findings highlight the importance of implementing specific interventions to address neonicotinoid exposure, especially among demographic groups that are more susceptible. This research underscores the urgent need for targeted strategies to address neonicotinoid risks to vulnerable populations within the YRB while contributing to insights for effective policies to mitigate neonicotinoid exposure in surface water ecosystems globally. [Display omitted] • Develop an integrated method to assess human risk of neonicotinoids in surface water. • Combine the Relative Potency Factor, Hazard Index, and Monte Carlo Simulation. • The carcinogenic risk value of thiacloprid ranged from 2.00 × 10−3 to 1.67 × 10−2. • Children and adolescents are more sensitive groups to neonicotinoids. • Females generally had a higher risk than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiacloprid (THI) is a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide where concerns have been raised regarding low absorption by crops, substantial distribution in surrounding areas, and potential adverse effects to terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Prior to this study, there was very limited information addressing the ex vivo (precision-cut liver slices) metabolism of THI by fish species and the metabolic pathways regulating its potential for adverse effects. The in vitro and ex vivo biotransformation pathway of THI is defined by the formation of three primary metabolites (TM1, TM2 and TM3) via separate paths differentiated by reductive decyanation, reductive dechlorination with hydration and dealkylation processes, respectively. Kinetic rates were calculated for the rat microsomal decyanation of THI into TM1 (Km = 299.2 µM and Vmax = 5.3 pmol/min/mg), and for the dealkylation of THI into TM3 (Km = 368.9 µM and Vmax = 3.95 pmol/min/mg). Formation confirmation and identity inference of THI metabolites in absence of standards were achieved by LC-UV and High Resolution-MS strategies. The in vitro and ex vivo metabolic products of THI are conserved both across species (rat and Rainbow trout) and levels of biological organization (microsomes and liver slices), as previously reported for the neonicotinoid insecticides Imidacloprid and Acetamiprid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoid insecticides have become of global concern for the aquatic environment. Harpacticoid copepods are among the organisms most sensitive to neonicotinoids. We exposed the brackish copepod Nitocra spinipes to 4 neonicotinoid insecticides (clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) to investigate acute toxicity on adults (96‐h exposure) and effects on larval development (7‐d exposure). We used these results in combination with publicly available ecotoxicity data to derive environmental quality standards (EQS). These EQS were ultimately used in a single‐substance and mixture risk assessment for the Belgian part of the North Sea. Acute toxicity testing revealed that immobilization is a more sensitive endpoint than mortality, with 96‐h median effect concentration (EC50) values of 6.9, 7.2, 25, and 120 µg L–1 for clothianidin, thiacloprid, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, respectively. In addition, the larval development tests resulted in 7‐d no‐observed‐effect concentrations (NOECs) of 2.5, 2.7, 4.2, and >99 µg L–1 for clothianidin, thiacloprid, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, respectively. The derived saltwater annual average (AA‐)EQS were 0.05, 0.0048, 0.002, and 0.016 µg L–1 for clothianidin, thiacloprid, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, respectively. Finally, the risk characterization revealed some exceedances of the AA‐EQS in Belgian harbors for imidacloprid (number of exceedances, n = 2/4), for thiacloprid (n = 1/4), for thiamethoxam (n = 1/4), and for the mixture of the 4 neonicotinoids (n = 4/4), but not at the open sea. At the open sea site, the toxic unit sums relative to the AA‐EQS were 0.72 and 0.22, suggesting no mixture risk, albeit with a relatively small margin of safety. Including short‐term EC10 (96‐h) values of N. spinipes for the AA‐EQS derivation led to a refinement of the AA‐EQS for clothianidin and thiamethoxam, suggesting their use for the AA‐EQS derivation because one of the overarching goals of the definition of EQS is to protect species at the population level. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1353–1367. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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