A novel multi-criteria framework for optimizing ecotoxicological effects and human health risks of neonicotinoid insecticides: Characterization, assessment and regulation strategies

J Hazard Mater. 2022 Jun 15:432:128712. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128712. Epub 2022 Mar 15.

Abstract

The rapid increase of neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) leads to the resistance to target organisms and risks to non-target organisms in the ecosystem. Thus, we designed a multi-criteria framework for resistance to target organisms, exposure risks to non-target organisms under spraying and soil or seed treatment scenarios, and ruled out the NNIs on the priority control lists. The resistance and cross-resistance, as well as the toxicity (i.e., acute, chronic, and combined toxicities) were characterized and evaluated. Results showed that the cross-resistance between two NNIs (i.e., CLO and FLU) was 1.8 times higher than their single resistance. A medium to extra-high toxicity level of NNIs was found in non-target organisms. Regulation strategies for NNIs resistance and toxicity were also proposed. The best synergist blocking and control scheme for resistance and toxicity was screened out when three main synergists (i.e., TPP: DEM: PBO) with the ratio of 1:1:1. Four NNIs (i.e., NPM, IMI, ACE, TMX) used in grain crops and six NNIs (i.e., NPM, IMI, ACE, TMX, CLO, THI) used in vegetable crops were determined as the ruled-out pesticides on the priority control lists. This study highlights the adverse effects of NNIs on the ecosystem and human health which should not be overlooked.

Keywords: Health hazard level; Multiple chronic toxicity; Priority control list; Resistance and exposure risk; Synergist regulation scheme.

MeSH terms

  • Ecosystem
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Humans
  • Insecticide Resistance
  • Insecticides* / analysis
  • Insecticides* / toxicity
  • Neonicotinoids / toxicity

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Neonicotinoids