Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals in insects: Current state of research and where to from here?

Abstract

The ongoing decline in the biomass, abundance, and species number of insects is an established fact. Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PBTs) - persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and, in the case of our study, mercury (Hg) - play an important role, but their effect on insect populations is insufficiently investigated. Here, the current state of research on PBTs related to insects is examined with a systematic literature study using Web of Science™. We investigate time trends of research intensity compared with other organisms, insect orders and chemicals analyzed, chemicals' effects on insects, and geographical aspects. We show that research intensity increased in the early 1990s, but studies on PBTs in insects are still underrepresented compared with other organisms. The taxonomic focus lies strongly on dipterans. The predominance of studies on DDT suggests its relevance in the context of disease-vector management. Phenotypic and acute effects on insects were more often investigated than genotypic and chronic effects. Laboratory-bred insects and wild-bred insects were examined equally often, pollutant exposure and analysis were conducted predominantly in the laboratory. Mostly habitats with a medium or high human impact were studied, and natural and near-natural habitats are understudied. The sources of the substances are often unknown. Most studies were carried out in economically rich continents, including North America, Europe, and Australia. The numbers of publications dealing with Asia, South America, and Africa are comparatively low, although the control of vector-borne diseases with POPs is still intensively practiced there. We identify gaps in the research - among others, refined analytical methods for biomarkers and for the examination of chronic effects, combinations of field and laboratory experiments to analyze the same problem, and a global approach for the monitoring of PBTs will be needed for accelerating the dearly needed progress in the research of PBTs in insects.

Keywords: Field-laboratory dichotomy; Heavy metals; Insect decline; Minamata Convention; Persistent organic pollutants; Stockholm Convention.