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The ubiquity of chemicals demands new ways of thinking about human–nature assemblages. This article develops a dialogue between agrarian political economy, critical commodity chains research, and chemical geographies through a case study of the world's most widely used agrochemical: glyphosate, commonly known as Monsanto's Roundup. In the 1980s, glyphosate triumphed as a benign biocide that promised both safety and effectiveness. This construct made possible a capitalist agricultural assemblage characterized by chemical pervasiveness, first as a chemical replacement for mechanical tillage and since the 1990s as the chemical input for genetically modified seed packages. The ubiquity that characterizes the glyphosate assemblage is also a geography of uneven development comprising shifting firm networks, policies, and trade. Central to this assemblage since 2000, yet largely ignored, is the outsized expansion of second- and third-tier generic pesticide producers, especially in China, for whom glyphosate is part of a network entry and upgrading development strategy. Today, the glyphosate assemblage faces unprecedented challenges from weed resistance and health controversies. Whether and how the herbicide assemblage restabilizes will be determined by the complex environmental and developmental challenges of chemical agriculture and pervasive chemicals broadly, which highlights the need for a transdisciplinary dialogue that cuts across these domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses a paper that examined the effects of agrochemicals on crop yield, soil fertility, human health and biodiversity. It analyzes the role of agricultural laws and the environmental legal regime in addressing the problem of agrochemical application and describes alternative means of solving the problem. It also compares the advantages of the use of agrochemicals and their negative effects on human and animal health and on the environment.

California has proposed limiting agricultural pesticide use within 0.4 km of schools and childcare facilities. However, the 0.4-km buffer may not be appropriate for all pesticides because of differing toxicities, fate, and application methods. Living near pesticide use has been associated with poorer birth outcomes, neurodevelopment, and respiratory function in children. More research about exposures in schools, childcare facilities, and homes is needed. Despite incomplete science, this regulation is an important step to reduce potential exposures to children. The most vulnerable exposure period may be in utero, and future regulations should also aim to reduce exposures to pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal metabolic rate (BMR), the minimal energetic cost of living in endotherms, is known to be influenced by thyroid hormones (THs) which are known to stimulate in vitro oxygen consumption of tissues in birds and mammals. Several environmental contaminants may act on energy expenditure through their thyroid hormone-disrupting properties. However, the effect of contaminants on BMR is still poorly documented for wildlife. Here, we investigated the relationships between three groups of contaminants (organochlorines (OCs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and mercury) with metabolic rate (MR), considered here as a proxy of BMR and also with circulating total THs (thyroxine (TT4) and triiodothyronine (TT3)) in Arctic breeding adult black-legged kittiwakes ( Rissa tridactyla ) from Svalbard, during the chick rearing period. Our results indicate a negative relationship between the sum of all detected chlordanes (∑CHLs) and MR in both sexes whereas perfluorotridecanoate (PFTrA) and MR were positively related in females only. MR was not associated with mercury. Additionally, levels of TT3 were negatively related to ∑CHLs but not to PFTrA. The findings from the present study indicate that some OCs (in both sexes) and some PFASs (only in females) could disrupt fine adjustment of BMR during reproduction in adult kittiwakes. Importantly, highly lipophilic OCs and highly proteinophilic PFASs appear, at least in females, to have the ability to disrupt the metabolic rate in an opposite way. Therefore, our study highlights the need for ecotoxicological studies to include a large variety of contaminants which can act in an antagonistic manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carabid beetles are important in the biological control of arable crop pests. Agricultural practices can produce over time a delayed toxic effect at the organismal and population levels and can compromise the survival on these species. In this research, we quantified the cumulative sublethal effect on body size, Malpighian tubules and immune responses in Calathus fuscipes adults living in the potato field and exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin and cymoxanil-based commercial formulates. Reductions of morphological parameters such as body, pronotum and elytron in both males and females from the potato field indicated that the pre-imaginal stages (larvae and pupae) suffer the sublethal effects of exposure to the larvicide control action of lambda-cyhalothrin. Ultrastructural alterations recorded in Malpighian tubules at the level of plasma membrane, mitochondria and nucleus indicated the reduction of the detoxification capability. The basal phenoloxidase and lysozyme-like enzyme activities have measured as markers of immune competence. Spectrophometric analyses showed that the chronic exposure in field causes an increase of basal phenoloxidase enzyme activity, while the lytic activity of haemolymph was not affected. As a result, the use of larvicides and fungicides have a harmful effect on beneficial species such C. fuscipes living in the soil of potato fields. These morphological and physiological results recorded at the organismal level can provide useful information of effects at the population and community levels to preserve the biodiversity of agroecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing restrictions on the use of agrochemicals in agriculture is a major limiting factor for grapevine (Vitis viniferaL.) growers, especially with respect to the use of hydrogen cyanamide as a bud dormancy-releasing compound, which is usually necessary in sub-tropical regions. In this context, a trial of the cultivar ‘Carmem’ was carried out in a commercial vineyard located in Paraná State, Southern Brazil, with the aim of developing an environmentally friendly and economically viable bud-break treatment. The following treatments were applied over two consecutive years: (i) control (water); (ii) 2% (v/v) vegetable oil (VO); (iii) 2% (v/v) mineral oil (MO); (iv) 2% (v/v) VO + 2% (v/v) MO; or (v) 3% (v/v) hydrogen cyanamide (HC). In both years, treatments (iv) and (v) increased bud-break percentages by a similar extent, from 24–25.0% to 60–95%. Both treatments also increased the number of berry clusters and yield, from 0.9–1.3 kg to 3.3–4.6 kg per vine, and decreased catalase activity in buds until 24 h after treatment. It appears that treatment (iv) could provide a substitute for the use of 3% (v/v) hydrogen cyanamide in viticulture in the sub-tropics, and could be a sustainable alternative based on lower cost and environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Agro-chemicals potentially cause adverse effects in non-target organisms. The rate of animal energy metabolism can influence their susceptibility to pesticides by influencing food consumption, biotransformation and elimination rates of toxicants. We used experimental evolution to study the effects of inherent differences in energy metabolism rate and exposure to the organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF) on thermogenic capacity in a wild rodent, the bank vole ( Myodes = Clethrionomys glareolus ). The voles were sampled from four replicate lines selected for high swim-induced aerobic metabolism (A) and four unselected control (C) lines. Thermogenic capacity, measured as the maximum cold-induced rate of oxygen consumption (VO 2 cold), was higher in the A – than C lines, and it decreased after continuous exposure to CPF via food or after a single dose administered via oral gavage, but only when measured shortly after exposure. VO 2 cold measured 24 h after repeated exposure was not affected. In addition, gavage with a single dose led to decreased food consumption and loss in body mass. Importantly, the adverse effects of CPF did not differ between the selected and control lines. Therefore, exposure to CPF has adverse effects on thermoregulatory performance and energy balance in this species. The effects are short-lived and their magnitude is not associated with the inherent level of energy metabolism. Even without severe symptoms of poisoning, fitness can be compromised under harsh environmental conditions, such as cold and wet weather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the application of recent top scientific attainments, which allow purposeful obtaining both the maximum and the reasonable crop yields. Maximum possible yield is necessary in plant genetic research to determine the yield genetically set in the new plant variety or hybrid. Practically reasonable crop yield is economically acceptable to be obtained in agricultural practices. For the first time, both new ecotechnology for monitoring, estimating and managing the water status (EMEMWS) and new scientific bridge between water and nutrient statuses (SBWNS) enable us to estimate and create appropriate conditions for different crops in each field. The EMEMWS is a Decision Support System (DSS) for precise management in agriculture. Its version for scientific research was checked. The version for friendly and easy application by farmers can be created as market tool product. Both scientific (EMEMWS and SBWNS) attainments are verified under field conditions. These are managing tools for obtaining planned amount and quality of crop yield in each agricultural field. Using it, the farmer saves energy (electrical, from fuel, etc.), irrigation water, nutrients for plant, and human labour in agricultural practices. This way, the farmer minimises or completely removes the losses of soluble substances, which pollute the surface and underground water and soil. The EMEMWS substitutes the periodical sampling for soil moisture determination and the use of other methods for local (point) measuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stemborers are a major constraint to the production of rice in the Kou Valley, Burkina Faso. Biological control is a good alternative to the use of agrochemicals that are harmful to human and animal health, and the environment. A survey of natural enemies of stemborers was conducted during the 2014 rice-cropping season across three transplanting periods (P1, P2 and P3). Plant and insect samples were collected by mowing and trapping at weekly intervals until harvest, starting 21 days after transplanting, and examined microscopically. Immature stages of the parasitized stemborers were reared to maturity for a positive identification of the parasitoids. Three genera of stemborers were identified: Chilo (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Maliarpha (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Sesamia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The Chilo genus was the most important with an average percentage of 41.4% of the pre-imaginal population in P2 followed by Marliarpha (1.1%) and Sesamia (0%). A total of 15 hymenopteran parasitoid species that included nine genera and seven families were identified. All the parasitoids were associated with Chilo and only two of the species parasitized Maliarpha. The most frequent parasitoids encountered were Bracon testacerofatus, Goniozus indicus, Dolichogenidea oryzae and Bracon spp. A total of 28 predator species were recorded from 22 genera, 6 orders and 15 families. Leucauge sp., Agriocnemis sp., Lycosa pseudoannulata and Lycosa sp. were the most important predators with frequencies reaching 15% of the arthropods caught in some fields. These results will be employed to develop a sustainable system to manage rice stemborers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women living in agricultural areas may experience high pesticide exposures compared with women in urban or suburban areas because of their proximity to farm activities. Objective: Our objective was to review the evidence in the published literature for the contribution of nonoccupational pathways of pesticide exposure in women living in North American agricultural areas. Methods: We evaluated the following nonoccupational exposure pathways: paraoccupational (i.e., take-home or bystander exposure), agricultural drift, residential pesticide use, and dietary ingestion. We also evaluated the role of hygiene factors (e.g., house cleaning, shoe removal). Results: Among 35 publications identified (published 1995-2013), several reported significant or suggestive (p < 0.1) associations between paraoccupational (n = 19) and agricultural drift (n = 10) pathways and pesticide dust or biomarker levels, and 3 observed that residential use was associated with pesticide concentrations in dust. The 4 studies related to ingestion reported low detection rates of most pesticides in water; additional studies are needed to draw conclusions about the importance of this pathway. Hygiene factors were not consistently linked to exposure among the 18 relevant publications identified. Conclusions: Evidence supported the importance of paraoccupational, drift, and residential use pathways. Disentangling exposure pathways was difficult because agricultural populations are concurrently exposed to pesticides via multiple pathways. Most evidence was based on measurements of pesticides in residential dust, which are applicable to any household member and are not specific to women. An improved understanding of nonoccupational pesticide exposure pathways in women living in agricultural areas is critical for studying health effects in women and for designing effective exposure-reduction strategies. Citation: Deziel NC, Friesen MC, Hoppin JA, Hines CJ, Thomas K, Beane Freeman LE. 2015. A review of nonoccupational pathways for pesticide exposure in women living in agricultural areas. Environ Health Perspect 123:515-524; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-farm U.S. soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields have increased at an annual rate of 23.3 kg ha-1 yr-1 since the 1920s. These gains have come from a variety of sources including genetic, agronomic, and environmental changes. Genetic gains arising from breeding efforts have likely contributed the most to the U.S. soybean yield increase; however, the relative contribution of each source of gain is difficult to estimate. The objectives of this study were to compare yield of soybean varieties with different year of release, understand the effects of fungicide applications on soybean seed yield, and evaluate the composition of soybean cultivars chosen to represent historically significant releases in maturity groups (MGs) II and III released during the last 85 yr. A set of 116 cultivars in these two MGs, released from 1923 to 2008, received a fungicide seed treatment followed by foliar applications at R1, R3, and R5 and were compared to non-treated controls. Seed composition changed over time with protein concentration decreasing 2.1 g kg-1 for every g kg-1increase in oil concentration. The significant interaction between fungicide treatment and MG III cultivar release year for plant stand revealed that such treatments were more beneficial with respect to obsolete cultivars of MG III, though this plant stand interaction did not translate into a significant yield interaction. The rate of genetic yield improvement made by breeders was not influenced by fungicide management and matched the observed rate of on-farm yield improvement that occurred during the same period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik is the property of Faculty of Mining, Geology & Petroleum Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Crop simulation models have the potential to assess the risk associated with the selection of a specific N fertilizer rate, by integrating the effects of soil-crop interactions on crop growth under different pedo-climatic and management conditions. The objective of this study was to simulate the environmental and economic impact (nitrate leaching and N2O emissions) of a spatially variable N fertilizer application in an irrigated maize field in Italy. The validated SALUS model was run with 5 nitrogen rates scenarios, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250kgNha−1, with the latter being the N fertilization adopted by the farmer. The long-term (25 years) simulations were performed on two previously identified spatially and temporally stable zones, a high yielding and low yielding zone. The simulation results showed that N fertilizer rate can be reduced without affecting yield and net return. The marginal net return was on average higher for the high yield zone, with values ranging from 1550 to 2650€ha−1 for the 200 N and 1485 to 2875€ha−1 for the 250 N. N leaching varied between 16.4 and 19.3kgNha−1 for the 200 N and the 250 N in the high yield zone. In the low yield zone, the 250 N had a significantly higher N leaching. N2O emissions varied between 0.28kgN2Oha−1 for the 50kgNha−1 rate to a maximum of 1.41kgN2Oha−1 for the 250kgNha−1 rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to pesticides and agricultural chemicals has been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) although findings have been inconsistent. A meta-analysis of studies published through May, 2011 was conducted to investigate the association of pesticide exposure and risk of ALS. Methods: Six peer-reviewed studies that met criteria were included in a meta-analysis of men involving 1,517 ALS deaths from one retrospective cohort study and 589 ALS or motor neuron disease cases from five case-control studies. A random effects model was used to calculate sex-specific pooled odds ratios (ORs). Results: Evidence was found for an association of exposure to pesticides and risk of ALS in male cases compared to controls (OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.36–2.61), although the chemical or class of pesticide was not specified by the majority of studies. Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the relationship of exposure to pesticides and development of ALS among male cases compared to controls. The weight of evidence links pesticide exposure to ALS; however, additional prospective studies with a target exposure group are necessary to better elucidate the relationship. Future research should focus on more accurate exposure assessment and the use of job exposure matrices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Integrated toxicokinetics (TK) data provide information on the rate, extent and duration of systemic exposure across doses, species, strains, gender, and life stages within a toxicology program. While routine for pharmaceuticals, TK assessments of non-pharmaceuticals are still relatively rare, and have never before been included in a full range of guideline studies for a new agrochemical. In order to better understand the relationship between diurnal systemic dose (AUC24h) and toxicity of agrochemicals, TK analyses in the study animals is now included in all short- (excluding acute), medium- and long-term guideline mammalian toxicity studies including reproduction/developmental tests. This paper describes a detailed procedure for the implementation of TK in short-, medium- and long-term regulatory toxicity studies, without the use of satellite animals, conducted on three agrochemicals (X11422208, 2,4-D and X574175). In these studies, kinetically-derived maximum doses (KMD) from short-term studies instead of, or along with, maximum tolerated doses (MTD) were used for the selection of the high dose in subsequent longer-term studies. In addition to leveraging TK data to guide dose level selection, the integrated program was also used to select the most appropriate method of oral administration (i.e., gavage versus dietary) of test materials for rat and rabbit developmental toxicity studies. The integrated TK data obtained across toxicity studies (without the use of additional/satellite animals) provided data critical to understanding differences in response across doses, species, strains, sexes, and life stages. Such data should also be useful in mode of action studies and to improve human risk assessments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To investigate whether nitrite levels were abnormally high in expired breath condensate (EBC) from workers with asthma-like syndrome. Materials and methods: We measured the nitrite levels in EBC from 48 volunteer workers, including 25 smokers, with asthma-like syndrome before and after SO2 exposure and compared these levels with those from 44 nonexposed control subjects, including 23 smokers. Results: Baseline concentrations of nitrite in the workers before SO2 exposure were higher (19.31 ± 1.06 nmol/mL) than in the controls (13.08 ± 1.36 nmol/mL; P < 0.001). Acute SO2 exposure produced a significant increase in concentrations of nitrite (23.62 ± 1.36) compared to the baseline value (P < 0.05). Pre-exposure nitrite concentrations were similar in smoking and nonsmoking workers (17.85 ± 1.72 and 20.20 ± 1.59; P > 0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that nitrite levels in EBC are increased in the asthma-like syndrome induced by occupational SO2 exposure in an agricultural environment, suggesting the role of inflammation in the syndrome; this first application of the EBC method may be suitable in other field studies in occupational medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance food production, India has adopted modern agriculture practices and achieved noteworthy success. This achievement was essentially the result of a paradigm shift in agriculture that included high inputs of agrochemicals, water, and widespread practice of monoculture, as well as bureaucratic changes that promoted these changes. There are very few comprehensive analyses of potential adverse health outcomes that may be related to these changes. The objective of this study is to identify health risks associated with modern agricultural practices in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. This study aims to compare high-input and low-input agricultural practices and the consequences for health of people in these communities. The fieldwork was conducted from May to August, 2009 and included a survey carried out in six villages. Data were collected by in-depth personal interviews among 240 households and key informants, field observations, laboratory analyses, and data from secondary sources. The study identified four major visible impacts: occupational hazards, vector borne diseases, changing nutritional status, and inequity in development. In the high-input area, mechanization has resulted in more occurrences of serious accidents and injuries. Ecological changes due to rice cultivation in this area have further augmented mosquito breeding, and there has been a surge in the incidence of Japanese encephalitis and malaria. The traditional coarse cereals (complex carbohydrates, high protein) have been replaced by mill-polished rice (simple carbohydrate, low protein). The prevalence of overweight (BMI>25) has emerged as a new public health challenge, and this is most evident in large-landholding households, especially in the high-input agriculture areas. In all agro-ecological areas, it was observed that women faced a greater risk of both extremes of under-nutrition and being overweight. Output-driven and market-oriented modern agricultural practices have changed the ecology and disease pattern in this area in India, and our survey indicated significant health effects associated with these changes. There is a need for more extensive epidemiological studies in order to know the full impact on diseases and to understand the complex causal relationships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using glyphosate agrochemical components, we investigated their acute toxicity to juvenile Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) as well as their toxic impact at gene expression level on the liver tissues of adult medaka using DNA microarray. In our acute toxicity test, juvenile medaka were exposed for 96 hr to each of the following glyphosate agrochemical components: 10~160 mg/l of glyphosate, 1.25~20 mg/l of fatty acid alkanolamide surfactant (DA), and 12~416 mg/l of a fully formulated glyphosate herbicide. As a result, LC50 values of glyphosate, DA, and the glyphosate herbicide were > 160 mg/l, 8.5 mg/l, and 76.8 mg/l, respectively. On the other hand, adult male medaka fish were exposed to each of the glyphosate agrochemical components for 48 hr at the following concentrations: 16 mg/l of glyphosate, 0.5 mg/l of DA, and 16 mg/l-glyphosate/0.5 mg/l-DA mixture. Interestingly, DNA microarray analysis revealed that there were no significant gene expression changes in the medaka liver after exposure to glyphosate. Nevertheless, 78 and 138 genes were significantly induced by DA and the glyphosate/ DA mixture, respectively. Furthermore, we identified five common genes that were affected by DA and glyphosate/DA mixture. These results suggested that glyphosate itself possessed very low toxicity as previously reported by some researchers at least to the small laboratory fish, and the major toxicity of the glyphosate agrochemical resided mainly in DA and perhaps in unintentionally generated byproduct(s) of glyphosate-DA mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an ecotoxicological model that simulates the sublethal and lethal effects of chronic, low-level, chemical exposure on birds wintering in agricultural landscapes. Previous models estimating the impact on wildlife of chemicals used in agro-ecosystems typically have not included the variety of pathways, including both dermal and oral, by which individuals are exposed. The present model contains four submodels simulating (1) foraging behavior of individual birds, (2) chemical applications to crops, (3) transfers of chemicals among soil, insects, and small mammals, and (4) transfers of chemicals to birds via ingestion and dermal exposure. We demonstrate use of the model by simulating the impacts of a variety of commonly used herbicides, insecticides, growth regulators, and defoliants on western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) that winter in agricultural landscapes in southern Texas, United States. The model generated reasonable movement patterns for each chemical through soil, water, insects, and rodents, as well as into the owl via consumption and dermal absorption. Sensitivity analysis suggested model predictions were sensitive to uncertainty associated with estimates of chemical half-lives in birds, soil, and prey, sensitive to parameters associated with estimating dermal exposure, and relatively insensitive to uncertainty associated with details of chemical application procedures (timing of application, amount of drift). Nonetheless, the general trends in chemical accumulations and the relative impacts of the various chemicals were robust to these parameter changes. Simulation results suggested that insecticides posed a greater potential risk to owls of both sublethal and lethal effects than do herbicides, defoliants, and growth regulators under crop scenarios typical of southern Texas, and that use of multiple indicators, or endpoints provided a more accurate assessment of risk due to agricultural chemical exposure. The model should prove useful in helping prioritize the chemicals and transfer pathways targeted in future studies and also, as these new data become available, in assessing the relative danger to other birds of exposure to different types of agricultural chemicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urea is the main source of N used in agriculture, but has large losses in irrigated rice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of N sources alternative to urea for use by rice applied at different stages of plant development through the quantification of N-NH3 and agronomic parameters. The experiment was conducted in the field in the agricultural years 2007/08 and 2008/09. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments consisted of different N sources applied at seeding, tillering and at the stage of floral differentiation: control without N, urea, urea + urease inhibitor, two sources of liquid N (N-28 and N-30) ammonium sulfate and urea + sulfur. In both seasons, the volatilization of N-NH3 at seeding was almost negligible, whereas in the V4 stage, the source that was less volatilized was the ammonium sulfate. Yield response varied among years, probably due to the availability of N in the soil and climatic aspects. When economically advantageous, the use of urease inhibitor and ammonium sulfate provide yields similar to urea supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bow Creek watershed (Nebraska, USA) is dominated by the production of beef cattle and row crops; therefore, surface waters are likely to receive runoff containing steroid hormones and pesticides. The goal of the present study was to determine the occurrence and endocrine effects of agrichemicals in this watershed. To accomplish this, four sites within the watershed-Pearl, Bow, and East Bow Creeks and a site at the confluence with the Missouri River-were selected. In June of 2008, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were deployed at each site, whereas in June of 2009, water and sediment samples were collected. Caged fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas) were deployed at all of the selected sites in both years. Analysis of these samples revealed that steroid hormones were not present; however, pesticides were present in POCIS extracts and water samples. In general, the amount of pesticides was higher in POCIS retrieved from Pearl and Bow Creeks than in POCIS from East Bow Creek and the confluence. This variation between sites appeared to be related to row crop density, as row crop land cover surrounding the Pearl and Bow Creek sites was higher than that surrounding the East Bow and confluence sites. To determine the endocrine effects of agrichemicals within this watershed, the hepatic mRNA expression of vitellogenin and estrogen receptor α (ERα), as well as the gonadal expression of P450 aromatase A, was determined for the caged minnows. Females deployed at East Bow Creek and the confluence experienced decreases in the expression of ERα, suggesting that these females had been defeminized; however, this defeminization could not be attributed to any of the pesticides detected at these sites. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2253-2260. © 2011 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work a small-scale terrestrial ecosystem (STEM) containing a soil collected from an agricultural field in Central Portugal was used to evaluate the effects of the combination of the herbicide glyphosate and the insecticide dimethoate. Earthworms (Eisenia andrei), isopods (Porcellionides pruinosus), turnip seeds (Brassica rapa), and bait-lamina strips were placed in the STEM. The results showed that the application of the recommended field dose of both pesticides did not cause any effect on the weight variation of earthworms and growth of the plants. The application of the herbicide, even at 5 and 10 times the field dose, increased feeding activity in soil (bait-lamina test), although the application of dimethoate led to a decrease in feeding activity in all concentrations tested. The binary mixtures performed showed that according to the Independent Action model, synergism (higher effect than expected from the single exposures) was observed in both the shoot length and fresh weight of B. rapa at 5 times the field dose, but antagonism was observed at 10 times the field dose. Regarding the germination success, synergism was observed at the field dose, but antagonism was detected at 5 times and 10 times the field dose. There was a decrease on the earthworm''s weight in all concentrations tested, although no statistical differences were observed in any of the treatments made. Regarding depth distribution of E. andrei, worms were found in the upper layer more than it was predicted for all concentrations. In the mixtures with the field and 5 times the field dose there was a decrease in the feeding activity (bait-lamina consumption) by the soil fauna. From the four biomarkers assessed on the isopods (Catalase, Acetylcholinesterase, Glutathione-S-transferase, and Lipid peroxidation), only a significant decrease in the Acetylcholinesterase activity upon dimethoate and the binary mixtures exposures performed with the field dose was observed and on Lipid peroxidation at the field doses of single and binary exposures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An agrochemical spreading agent was found near the slightly decomposed corpse of a deceased female. The appearance of the stomach contents suggested that ingestion of a surfactant had occurred before death. The spreading agent was found to contain nonionic nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO n ) and anionic sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensates (SNFC n ). A solid phase extraction cartridge containing a mixed reversed phase-weak anion exchange sorbent (Oasis WAX, Waters) was used to successfully extract both NPEO n and SNFC n from the blood. The cartridge was preconditioned with methanol and acetic acid (AcOH). After the dilute blood sample was applied to the cartridge, it was washed with AcOH, and then NPEO n and SNFC n were eluted with methanol/dichloromethane (7:3, v/v) and 5% NH3/80% methanol, respectively. The concentrations of NPEO n=2–9 and SNFC n=0 in the blood sample were 7.7μg/mL and 1.8mg/mL, respectively. It is possible that postmortem changes increased the concentration of SNFC n =0 monomer by breaking down the polymer. However, the behavior of these compounds in the human body is unclear and further case studies are needed to investigate this result. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Industrialization and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals have increased the human health risk. Recent epidemiological studies raised a concern for male reproduction given their observations of reduced sperm counts and altered semen quality. Interestingly, environmental factors that include various metals, pesticides and their metabolites have been causally linked to such adversities by their presence in the semen at levels that correlate to infertility. The epidemiological observations were further supported by studies in animal models involving various chemicals. Therefore, in this review, we focused on male reproductive toxicity and the adverse effects of different environmental chemicals on male reproduction. However, it is beyond the scope of this review to provide a detailed appraisal of all of the environmental chemicals that have been associated with reproductive toxicity in animals. Here, we provided the evidence for reproductive adversities of some commonly encountered chemicals (pesticides/metals) in the environment. In view of the recent thrust for an alternate to animal models in research, we subsequently discussed the contributions of Drosophila melanogaster as an alternate animal model for quick screening of toxicants for their reproductive toxicity potential. Finally, we emphasized the genetic and molecular tools offered by Drosophila for understanding the mechanisms underlying the male reproductive toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Organophosphates and carbamates (OPs/CMs) are known for their acetylcholinesterase inhibiting character. A cross-sectional study of pesticide handling practices and self-perceived symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning was conducted using questionnairebased interviews with 89 pesticide sprayers in Boeung Cheung Ek (BCE) Lake, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The study showed that 50% of the pesticides used belonged toWHOclass I + II and personal protection among the farmers were inadequate. Amajority of the farmers (88%) had experienced symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning, and this was significantly associatedwith the number of hours spent spraying with OPs/CMs (OR = 1.14, CI 95%: 1.02-1.28). The higher educated farmers reduced their risk of poisoning by 55% for each extra personal protective measure they adapted (OR = 0.45, CI 95%: 0.22-0.91). These findings suggest that improving safe pesticide management practices among the farmers and enforcing the effective banning of the most toxic pesticides will considerably reduce the number of acute pesticide poisoning episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probabilistic techniques were used to characterize dietary exposure of consumers to pesticides found in twelve commodities implicated as having the greatest potential for pesticide residue contamination by a United States-based environmental advocacy group. Estimates of exposures were derived for the ten most frequently detected pesticide residues on each of the twelve commodities based upon residue findings from the United States Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Data Program. All pesticide exposure estimates were well below established chronic reference doses (RfDs). Only one of the 120 exposure estimates exceeded 1% of the RfD (methamidophos on bell peppers at 2% of the RfD), and only seven exposure estimates (5.8 percent) exceeded 0.1% of the RfD. Three quarters of the pesticide/commodity combinations demonstrated exposure estimates below 0.01% of the RfD (corresponding to exposures one million times below chronic No Observable Adverse Effect Levels from animal toxicology studies), and 40.8% had exposure estimates below 0.001% of the RfD. It is concluded that (1) exposures to the most commonly detected pesticides on the twelve commodities pose negligible risks to consumers, (2) substitution of organic forms of the twelve commodities for conventional forms does not result in any appreciable reduction of consumer risks, and (3) the methodology used by the environmental advocacy group to rank commodities with respect to pesticide risks lacks scientific credibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Belize, Central America, many farms surrounding the Protected Areas of the Maya Mountains rely heavily on the application of agrochemicals. The purpose of this study was to test whether orographic drift of glyphosate and organophosphates into the nearby Maya Mountain Protected Areas occurred by collecting phytotelmic water from seven sites over 3 years. Regardless of location within the Maya Mountain Protected Areas, glyphosate was present; organophosphates were more common at ridge sites. Although glyphosate concentrations were low, due to the number of threatened species and the human use of stream water outside the Maya Mountain Protected Areas, better understanding of these effects is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:Adequate nutrition is one of the pillars of public health. Before developing and implementing effective intervention programmes to improve nutrition at the population level, it is important to know the nutritional situation of the target group.Assessment of energy and nutrient intake:The estimation of nutrient intake from food consumption requires reliable data on food composition. These data are also the fundamentals of food-based dietary guidelines for healthy nutrition, containing the necessary information on food sources for different nutrients. Furthermore, food composition tables can provide information on chemical forms of nutrients and the presence and amounts of interacting components, and thus provide information on their bioavailability. For some nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E and niacin, the concept of equivalence has been introduced to account for differences in the availability and biological activity of different chemical forms.Non-nutritive food components:Although most food composition tables focus on energy, macro- and micronutrients, interest in non-nutritive components is increasing. Considering the beneficial effects of biologically active secondary plant cell compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids, more data on these are needed. On the other hand, there are a number of naturally occurring or 'man-made' non-nutritive substances with negative effects, and to control exposure, the main dietary sources must be known. Another aspect is contaminants, which could have detrimental effects on consumers' health. Among these are agrochemicals, industrial pollutants reaching the food chain and substances formed during food preparation. A valid risk assessment requires data on exposure, and thus on the contents of contaminants in foods. However, these data are highly variable and may significantly differ even within narrowly confined regions.Current food composition databases are far from complete:The fact that composition tables generally do not provide information about the origin of substances found in food can also influence their usability. For example, the German Nutrient Data base does not discriminate between naturally occurring and added sucrose impeding the estimation of added sucrose intake that should be limited.Points of focus: Considering the increasing number of persons relying on community nutrition and catering, healthy menu lines can improve the consumers' diets and contribute to nutrient supply. The development and implementation of appropriate guidelines also need food composition databases (FCBs) to compose meals. The ever-increasing number of new food preparations and manufactured products has resulted in a need for procedures for regularly updated data. Moreover, there is a lack of data particularly for essential trace elements such as copper, chromium or molybdenum and also vitamin K, as well as the already mentioned non-nutritive components.Limited comparability between countries is another issue. Regional differences arise especially from the use of local varieties, different soil quality or meteorological aspects. This variability is further increased with composite meals because of variation in recipes.Conclusion:Information about food composition is necessary for the assessment of diet quality and the development and application of food-based dietary guidelines, providing a useful tool for the field of public health nutrition. In this regard, more attention should be paid to the preparation, extension and maintenance of FCBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The preplant fumigants, metam-sodium, metam-potassium, and dazomet undergo decomposition to the biocide methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in moist soils. Since MITC vapor can migrate from its site of application, we developed an estimate of health protective concentrations for airborne exposures to MITC that prevents effects among bystanders near treated agricultural fields. Our findings show that, at concentrations of environmental relevance, MITC most likely acts via stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, which mediates sensory irritation in the eyes and nose. Several lines of evidence support the conclusion that sensory irritation of the eyes is the most sensitive effect relevant for health risk assessment arising from short-term MITC exposures. The outcome of a clinical study that included sensitive individuals and measured multiple ocular responses to irritation (e.g., perceived irritation, tearing, and blinking of the eyes) is consistent with this proposed mode of action, as are experimental animal data. Databases and studies by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) show that, in accidental exposures, human eye irritation is consistently the most sensitive endpoint at low-modeled acute exposure and is often the most sensitive endpoint from acute exposures of unknown, but likely higher, concentrations. Based upon benchmark concentration lower limits from the clinical study and consideration of uncertainties, health protective concentrations of MITC were estimated as 0.2ppm for 4h of exposure and 0.8ppm for 14-min of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The endemic of chronic renal failure (CRF) emerged in 2002 in the farming provinces of Sri Lanka. An estimate of dietary cadmium intake was between 15 and 28μg/kg body weight per week. The mean urinary cadmium in patients diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure was 7.6μg/g creatinine and 11.6μg/g for asymptomatic persons. The agrochemical triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer containing 23.5–71.7mgCd/kg was the source of cadmium added to soils. Mean Cd content in cultivated vs. uncultivated soils in Anuradhapura district was 0.02±0.01 vs. 0.11±0.19mg/kg while in Polonnaruwa district, it was 0.005±0.004 vs. 0.016±0.005mg/kg. Prior to the Green Revolution, the amount of fertilizer used in rice cultivation in 1970 was 32,000 metric tons (Mts) rising to 74,000Mts in 1975. Up to 68.9Mts of Cd could have entered into the rice-cascade reservoir environment from TSP use since 1973. Diversion of the Mahaweli River in 1970–1980 further increased cadmium input. Cadmium transfer from Upper Mahaweli water to Polgolla was 72.13kg/day. Cadmium content of the sediments from reservoirs collecting cadmium from irrigated TSP fertilized crop fields (rice and vegetables) was 1.8–2.4mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents a study on pesticide exposure and self-reported health conditions and its effects on the probability of follow-up in a prospective cohort study. It discusses the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), a cohort study formed to examine health effects of farm-related exposures such as pesticide exposure. It states the participation of pesticide applicators applying between 1993 and 1997 for pesticide use. The results of the study which are presented in tables are also discussed.

The negative effects of pollution on amphibians are especially high when animals are additionally stressed by other environmental factors such as water salinity. However, the stress provoked by salinity may vary among populations because of adaptation processes. We tested the combined effect of a common fertilizer, ammonium nitrate (0–90.3 mg N–NO3NH4/L), and water salinity (0–2‰) on embryos of two Pelophylax perezi populations from ponds with different salinity concentrations. Embryos exposed to the fertilizer were up to 17% smaller than controls. Survival rates of embryos exposed to a single stressor were always below 10%. The exposure to both stressors concurrently increased mortality rate (>95%) of embryos from freshwater. Since the fertilizer was lethal only when individuals were stressed by the salinity, it did not cause lethal effects on embryos naturally adapted to saline environments. Our results underscore the importance of testing multiple stressors when analyzing amphibian sensitivity to environmental pollution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interaction of methyl-parathion with serum and albumin of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, was studied, using the fluorescence quenching technique. Pacu is a neo-tropical fish specie inhabitant of rivers from western regions of Brazil. Methyl-parathion (O,O-dimethyl O-p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphorous pesticide still used in agriculture and fish farming in many countries. The quenching of fluorescence can be mathematically expressed by the Stern–Volmer equation to calculate quenching constants. Stern–Volmer curves analysis is able to give important information about the pesticide–albumin interaction. Our results showed that the serum quenching reached 10% when the molar ratio of pesticide/albumin was about 7:1 for the three temperatures of the experiment. For the pure albumin quenching of 10%, methyl-parathion concentrations were 6, 7 and 9 times higher than albumin at 20, 25 and 30°C, respectively. The calculated Stern–Volmer constants at 25°C were 9.73×103(±4.9×102)M−1 for serum and 9.20×103(±2.0×102)M−1 for albumin. It was observed that albumin quenching is the phenomenon contributing to the quenching of the pacu serum fluorescence for methyl-parathion concentration lower than 10μM, suggesting that the protein is the most important carrier for the pesticide in serum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the effects of the rare earth element cerium (Ce) on the life span and biomarkers of oxidative stress in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Fruit flies were fed on media with different dose of ceric sulfate (1, 4, 16, 64, 256, 1024mg/L, corresponding to cerium concentrations of 0.45, 1.65, 6.91, 26.3, 104, and 429μg/g culture medium). Mean life span, maximum life span, and fertility were calculated. There was a significant decrease in mean life span and maximum life span with increasing doses of cerium. At some concentrations, there was a decrease in reproductive output, especially concentrations >6.91μg/g. We also measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and lipid peroxidation product levels (malondialdehyde (MDA) content). Cerium caused a significant increase in MDA content and decrease in SOD and CAT activities at concentrations >6.91μg/g. These results suggest that cerium may result in oxidative toxicity to D. melanogaster. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study is to increase the understanding and transparency of chemical biotransfer modeling into meat and milk and explicitly confront the uncertainties in exposure assessments of chemicals that require such estimates. In cumulative exposure assessments that include food pathways, much of the overall uncertainty is attributable to the estimation of transfer into biota and through food webs. Currently, the most commonly used meat and milk-biotransfer models date back two decades and, in spite of their widespread use in multimedia exposure models, few attempts have been made to advance or improve the outdated and highly uncertain Kow regressions used in these models. Furthermore, in the range of Kow where meat and milk become the dominant human exposure pathways, these models often provide unrealistic rates and do not properly reflect the transfer dynamics. To address these issues, we developed a dynamic three-compartment cow model (called CKow), distinguishing lactating and nonlactating cows. For chemicals without available overall removal rates in the cow, a correlation is derived from measured values reported in the literature to predict this parameter from Kow. Results on carry over rates (COR) and biotransfer factors (BTF) demonstrate that a steady-state ratio between animal intake and meat concentrations is almost never reached. For meat, empirical data collected on short-term experiments need to be adjusted to provide estimates of average longer term behaviors. The performance of the new model in matching measurements is improved relative to existing models—thus reducing uncertainty. The CKow model is straightforward to apply at steady state for milk and dynamically for realistic exposure durations for meat COR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to determine the occurrence and endocrine effects of agrichemicals in four Nebraska, USA, watersheds-the Elkhorn, Platte, Niobrara, and Dismal rivers. Land use in the Elkhorn River and Platte River watersheds is characterized by intense agriculture, including row crop and beef cattle production. In contrast, land within the Niobrara River and Dismal River watersheds consists primarily of grasslands. Polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and caged fathead minnows were deployed at a site within each watershed for 7 d. The POCIS were analyzed for pesticides and hormones, while the caged minnows were analyzed for the expression of estrogen- and androgen-responsive genes. Amounts of pesticides recovered in POCIS extracts from the Elkhorn and Platte rivers were higher than those recovered from the Niobrara and Dismal rivers. Furthermore, female minnows deployed in the Elkhorn River experienced significant reductions in expression of two estrogen-responsive genes (vitellogenin and estrogen receptor α) relative to females deployed at the other sites, indicating alterations in endocrine function. However, the defeminization of these females could not be definitely linked to any of the agrichemicals detected in the POCIS recovered from the Elkhorn River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural landscapes, although often highly altered in nature, provide habitat for many species of amphibian. However, the persistence and health of amphibian populations are likely to be compromised by the escalating use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. This review examines some of the issues relating to exposure of amphibian populations to these chemicals and places emphasis on mechanisms of toxicity. Several mechanisms are highlighted, including those that may disrupt thyroid activity, retinoid pathways, and sexual differentiation. Special emphasis is also placed on the various interactions that may occur between different agro-chemicals and between chemicals and other environmental factors. We also examine the indirect effects on amphibian populations that occur when their surrounding pond communities are altered by chemicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia (PE), complicate 2-8% of pregnancies. Few studies have examined environmental risk factors in relation to these conditions. Objectives: Our goal was to examine whether pesticide exposure during pregnancy was associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: We analyzed self-reported data from 11,274 wives of farmers enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) between 1993 and 1997. Using logistic regression models, we estimated the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for PIH and PE associated with pesticide-related activities during the first trimester of pregnancy. Results: First-trimester residential and agricultural activities with potential exposure to pesticides were associated with both PIH [residential AOR = 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.60; agricultural AOR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.05-2.45] and PE (residential AOR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.02-1.70; agricultural AOR = 2.07; 95% CI, 1.34-3.21). Conclusions: Exposure to pesticides during pregnancy may increase the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Laboratory research may provide insights into relationships between pesticide exposure and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment of community exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was undertaken in Paritutu, New Zealand. The suburb lies adjacent to an agrichemical facility that produced 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), between 1962 and 1987. Soil TCDD measurements from 73 nearby addresses demonstrated a pattern of TCDD deposition consistent with an aerial plume following the prevailing local wind patterns and the agrichemical plant as the point source. Blood samples were taken from 52 volunteers having lived for three or more years in Paritutu between 1962 and 1987. Candidate selection focused primarily on individuals who were most likely to show elevated TCDD blood lipid levels when compared to age and gender stratified national average blood concentrations, and secondarily on individuals that provided additional information about specific exposure periods, potential exposures of younger age groups, and specific dietary patterns. A multipathway exposure model was used to estimate serum TCDD levels in each participant. Age and gender-specific TCDD elimination kinetics were also considered. Historical TCDD environmental concentrations were back-calculated from soil concentrations at each residence assuming TCDD releases occurred pre-dominantly between 1962 and 1975. Serum was analysed for chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, and a subset was analysed for dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls. TCDD in serum lipid exceeded two standard deviations above national background levels for 14 participants, and 3 standard deviations for 10 participants. The highest TCDD lipid concentration was 33.3ng/kg-lipid, or 11 times higher than the comparative 1997 national average. Elevated TCDD concentrations were observed primarily, but not exclusively, in the older study participants who had been in residence in Paritutu before 1968. The study demonstrated TCDD exposure in this community, occurring most likely through the aerial route, and most probably from fugitive emissions during manufacture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malathion is a widely organphosphorus insecticide used in agriculture, which shows strong insecticidal effects. However, the use of this insecticide leads to disruption in metabolic pathways. The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of malathion on metabolic parameters in Wistar rats. Malathion was administered orally to rats at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight dissolved in corn oil. Glucidic and lipidic status were analyzed in plasma, cholinesterase activities were also determined. Malathion induces a transitory hyperglycaemia which correlated with depletion on glycogen content. Plasma triglycerides and LDL level increased significantly in malathion treated-rats. HDL rate was unchanged and cholesterol plasma content decrease transitory but rapidly reached a normal level. Results of this study indicate, clearly, that malathion in acute exposure leads to a disruption of lipid metabolism with an enhancement in LDL and triglyceride contents and may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Disruption in plasma lipid profile may leads to a kind of insulin resistance which results in hyperglycaemia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a relation between male exposure to pesticides and the amount of time needed to conceive (time to pregnancy) for farmers and agricultural workers in France and Denmark. The authors used retrospective studies to compare the time to pregnancy of couples in which the man was exposed to pesticides during the year before the birth of their youngest child with that of couples in which the man was not exposed. In 1995 and 1996, the authors studied 362 French rural workers (142 exposed to pesticides and 220 not exposed), 449 Danish farmers (326 conventional farmers exposed to pesticides and 123 nonexposed organic farmers), and 121 Danish greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides. The fecundability ratio for exposure to pesticides (Cox model, before and after adjustment for confounding factors) did not differ from 1 in any of the three populations. In France, the adjusted fecundability ratio was 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.55) for exposed and nonexposed agricultural workers. In Denmark, it was 1.09 (95% CI 0.82-1.43) for exposed and nonexposed farmers and 0.83 (95% CI 0.69-1.18) for greenhouse workers and nonexposed farmers. Thus, this study found no relation between fertility (time to pregnancy) and male exposure to pesticides. Am J Epidemiol 1999; 150: 157–63. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

‘Pink Lady®’ apples were harvested at commercial maturity, treated with three different agrochemical products, and stored at 1°C under either air or controlled atmosphere conditions (2kPa O2 +2kPa CO2 and 1kPa O2 +1kPa CO2) for 13 and 27 weeks, followed by 4 weeks storage in air at 1°C. Diphenylamine, folpet and imazalil contents in both the skin and flesh were simultaneously determined after cold storage plus simulated marketing periods of 1 and 7d at 20°C. After 27 weeks plus 7d, diphenylamine and folpet levels in apple skin were lower for fruit stored in low O2 (2kPa) or air than for those kept under ultra-low O2 (1kPa). An additional storage period of 4 weeks in air reduced diphenylamine and folpet contents in whole apples stored for 13 weeks in the low O2 controlled atmosphere. For imazalil, the same result was obtained in apple skins stored for 27 weeks under an ultra-low O2 controlled atmosphere. Differences in diphenylamine and folpet contents were found for skin and flesh samples throughout the simulated marketing period, but there were observable differences in imazalil contents only for flesh samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a cross-sectional study which determines whether occupational exposure to a complex mixture of pesticides is linked to the significant increase of DNA damage in farmers who are chronically exposed to pesticides in open fields. It utilized leucocytes from agriculture workers who were prone to pesticide exposure during the spraying season of cotton crop. It also gathered serum from the subjects for further analysis. It showed that there was a significant damage among exposed subjects wherein smokers have a higher risk. Furthermore, the chronic exposure to pesticides produced DNA damages among pesticide sprayers and suggested that certain monitoring should be done as preventive measures.

Abstract: Exposure to agrichemicals can have deleterious effects on fish, such as disruption of the hypothalamus–pituitary–inter-renal axis (HPI) that could impair the ability of fish to respond to stressors. In this study, fingerlings of the teleost jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) were used to investigate the effects of the commonly used agrichemicals on the fish response to stress. Five common agrichemicals were tested: the fungicide — tebuconazole, the insecticide — methyl-parathion, and the herbicides — atrazine, atrazine+simazine, and glyphosate. Control fishes were not exposed to agrichemicals and standard stressors. In treatments 2–4, the fishes were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (16.6%, 33.3%, and 50% of the LC50) of each agrichemical for 96 h, and at the end of this period, were subjected to an acute stress-handling stimulus by chasing them with a pen net. In treatments 5–7 (16.6%, 33.3%, and 50% of the LC50), the fishes were exposed to the same concentrations of the agrichemicals without stress stimulus. Treatment 8 consisted of jundiás not exposed to agrichemicals, but was subjected to an acute stress-handling stimulus. Jundiás exposed to methyl-parathion, atrazine+simazine, and glyphosate presented a decreased capacity in exhibiting an adequate response to cope with stress and in maintaining the homeostasis, with cortisol level lower than that in the control fish (P <0.01). In conclusion, the results of this study clearly demonstrate that the acute exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of methyl-parathion, atrazine+simazine, and glyphosate exert a deleterious effect on the cortisol response to an additional acute stressor in the jundiá fingerlings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The recovery effect of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on antioxidant enzymes, locomotor behaviour and the target enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) interaction were studied after exposure to 297μgL−1 (LC50 for 96h) in mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase in viscera, and AChE in brain were inhibited at 96h of exposure. However, induction in lipid peroxidation was observed. The antioxidant levels were restored to near control by 16–18 days. Similarly, swimming speed and AChE were also recovered but comparatively needs longer period. In vitro AChE study indicated that CPF alters the apparent K m values, resulting in a competitive type of inhibition and the inhibitory constant K i was found to be 4.57×10−4 M. The results showed that the organophosphate CPF besides its inhibitory effect on target enzyme AChE also inhibits antioxidant enzymes, which can be used as biomarkers in the pesticide-contaminated aquatic streams. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of pesticides in the cultivation of cash crops such as banana and plantain is increasing, in Costa Rica and worldwide. Agrochemical use and occupational and environmental exposures in export banana production have been documented in some parts of Central America. However, the extent of agrochemical use, agricultural pest knowledge, and economic components in plantain production are largely unknown in Costa Rica, especially in remote, high-poverty areas such as the Bribri-Cabécar Indigenous Territories. Our objective was to integrate a rapid rural appraisal of indigenous farmer pesticide application practices and pest knowledge with a cost-benefit analysis of plantain production in the Bribri-Cabécar Indigenous Territories, for the development of better agricultural management practices and improved regulatory infrastructure. Interviews conducted with 75 households in 5 indigenous communities showed that over 60% of participants grew plantain with agrochemicals. Of these plantain farmers, over 97% used the insecticide chlorpyrifos, and 84% applied nematicides, 64% herbicides, and 22% fungicides, with only 31% of participants reporting the use of some type of protective clothing during application. The banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar) was ranked as the most important agricultural pest by 85% of participants, yet only 28% could associate the adult and larval form. A cost-benefit analysis conducted with a separate group of 26 plantain farmers identified several national markets and one export market for plantain production in the Indigenous Territories. Yearly income averaged US$6200/ha and yearly expenses averaged US$1872/ha, with an average cost-benefit ratio of 3.67 for plantain farmers. Farmers applied an average of 9.7kga.i./ha/yr of pesticide products and 375kg/ha/yr of fertilizer, but those who sold their fruit to the national markets applied more nematicides, herbicides, and fertilizers than those who sold primarily to export markets, suggesting a lack of appropriate application knowledge. Results indicate that the quantity of agrochemicals applied in plantain cultivation is less than that applied in export banana, but the absence of appropriate agrochemical application practices in plantain cultivation may pose serious risks to human and environmental health. Culturally appropriate farmer education and certification programs are needed as well as the development of safe-handling practices, regulatory infrastructure, and adequate agrochemical storage, transport, and waste disposal facilities. Long-term solutions however, are dependent on the development of policies and infrastructure that support non-chemical pest management, alternatives to pesticides, and the identification of organic plantain markets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study that investigates on the implications of pesticide exposure on the health conditions of farmworkers. The study was administered to 554 farmworkers wherein its association with pesticides as well as safety behaviors carried out are evaluated, including the occupational exposure rate, training history and protective equipment used. The study reveals that performance behavior of farm workers depends on their personal protective equipment and precautionary initiatives carried out. Furthermore, the study concluded that an intervention on the need to implement precautionary measures and safety behaviors in workers are needed to guarantee their safe health conditions.