Imidacloprid is one of the most commercialized insecticides in agriculture in the world, with a broad spectrum of action. However, little is known about the effects of commercial formulations containing this active ingredient (a.i.) on non-target organisms in tropical soils. Our objective was to assess the toxicity based on the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of imidacloprid, in the avoidance behaviour of earthworms and collembolans as well as in the reproduction of collembolans, in two representative soils of the Brazilian Cerrado with contrasting texture (clayey Oxisol and sandy Entisol). Ecotoxicity tests were carried out according to ISO protocols to assess the avoidance behaviour of earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and avoidance and reproduction of collembolans (Folsomia candida). In the earthworm's avoidance test, more than 80% of the individuals were found in the control, in all tested concentrations, indicating a possible habitat function loss in both soils. The avoidance behaviour of collembolans was observed in both soils, being more expressive (up to 75% of escape) in Oxisol. In Entisol, only the two highest concentrations were avoided (up to 63%). There was a negative effect on the reproduction of collembolans in both soils, with a higher EC50 value (0.255 mg kg-1) in Oxisol than in Entisol (0.177 mg kg-1), demonstrating higher toxicity in the sandy soil. These differences were attributed to the contrasting texture of the studied soils, probably due to lower retention of the a.i. in the sandy soil, causing an increased bioavailability. This study demonstrated that imidacloprid can be highly toxic to soil invertebrates, even in soil concentrations lower than those expected from recommended dose, causing an impact on the edaphic organisms and, consequently, compromising its functions in the soil ecosystem.
Keywords: Collembolans; Earthworms; Neonicotinoids; Pesticides; Soil texture.