Toxics

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17 pages, 4703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Fungicides and Nontarget Pesticides on Accumulation of the Mycotoxin Deoxynivlenol in Wheat

by Chao Ju, Fan Jiang, Yuan Gao, Tongwu Chen, Jiakuo Cao, Junbo Lv, Yanxiang Zhao, Yongquan Zheng, Wei Guo and Jinguang Huang

Toxics 2023, 11(9), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11090768 - 10 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1125

Abstract

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an important virulence factor of the Fusarium head blight of wheat and threatens the health of humans. The effect of fungicides on DON production after stressing wheat to produce H₂O₂ and the effect of nontarget pesticides on [...] Read more.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an important virulence factor of the Fusarium head blight of wheat and threatens the health of humans. The effect of fungicides on DON production after stressing wheat to produce H₂O₂ and the effect of nontarget pesticides on DON accumulation are largely unknown. Five pesticides were selected to explore the effect of pesticide-induced oxidative stress on DON production in vitro and in vivo. Epoxiconazole and hexaconazole significantly induced an increase in H₂O₂ in vitro, and H₂O₂ further stimulated the production of DON and the expression of the Tri5 gene. Imidacloprid, isoproturon, and mesosulfuron-methyl had no direct effect in vitro. All pesticides activated the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in wheat and caused the excessive accumulation of H₂O₂. However, excessive H₂O₂ did not stimulate the accumulation of DON. Imidacloprid indirectly stimulated the production of DON in vivo, which may be due to its impact on the secondary metabolism of wheat. In brief, pesticide-induced H₂O₂ in vitro is an important factor in stimulating DON production, but the stressed physiological H₂O₂ in wheat is not sufficient to stimulate DON production. The bioaccumulation results indicated that imidacloprid and epoxiconazole increase the risk of DON contamination, especially under field spraying conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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15 pages, 5974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxicity and Lethal Effect of Greenhouse Insecticides on Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as Biological Control Agent of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

by Panagiotis J. Skouras, Eirini Karanastasi, Ioannis Lycoskoufis, Vasilis Demopoulos, Anastasios I. Darras, Athanasios Tsafouros, Polina C. Tsalgatidou, John T. Margaritopoulos and George J. Stathas

Toxics 2023, 11(7), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070584 - 5 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1229

Abstract

Deltamethrin and imidacloprid are commonly used insecticides for controlling sub-sucking insects in greenhouses. However, their application may cause sublethal effects on the aphid coccinellid predator Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Here, we study (i) the toxicity and the effect of two sublethal doses (LD [...] Read more.

Deltamethrin and imidacloprid are commonly used insecticides for controlling sub-sucking insects in greenhouses. However, their application may cause sublethal effects on the aphid coccinellid predator Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Here, we study (i) the toxicity and the effect of two sublethal doses (LD₁₀ and LD₃₀) of deltamethrin and imidacloprid on C. septempunctata in a laboratory microcosm and (ii) the residual toxicity of the two insecticides in a greenhouse. The results showed that both insecticides reduced fecundity, longevity, the intrinsic rate of increase, the finite rate of increase and the net reproductive rate. However, the developmental time of the fourth instar larvae was prolonged by both insecticides at LD₁₀ and LD₃₀. Deltamethrin residues were toxic 21 DAT (days after treatment) to C. septempunctata fourth instar larvae. In contrast, imidacloprid began in the slightly harmful category (75%) 1 DAT and declined to the harmless category (18.33%) 21 DAT. These results indicate that deltamethrin and imidacloprid have potential risks to C. septempunctata. This study provides information to guide the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in greenhouses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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13 pages, 3536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amelioration of Hepatotoxic and Neurotoxic Effect of Cartap by Aloe vera in Wistar Rats

by Vivek Kumar Gupta, Uichang Park, Nikhat J. Siddiqi, Yun Suk Huh and Bechan Sharma

Toxics 2023, 11(5), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050472 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Pesticide exposure can pose a serious risk to nontarget animals. Cartap is being broadly used in agricultural fields. The toxic effects of cartap on the levels of hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity have not been properly studied in mammalian systems. Therefore, the present work focused [...] Read more.

Pesticide exposure can pose a serious risk to nontarget animals. Cartap is being broadly used in agricultural fields. The toxic effects of cartap on the levels of hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity have not been properly studied in mammalian systems. Therefore, the present work focused on the effect of cartap on the liver and brain of Wistar rats and made an assessment of the ameliorating potential of A. vera. The experimental animals were divided into 4 groups, comprising six rats in each: Group 1—Control; Group 2—A. vera; Group 3—Cartap; and Group 4—A. vera + Cartap. The animals orally given cartap and A. vera were sacrificed after 24 h of the final treatment and histological and biochemical investigations were conducted in liver and brain of Wistar rats. Cartap at sublethal concentrations caused substantial decreases in CAT, SOD, and GST levels in the experimental rats. The activity levels of transaminases and phosphatases in cartap group were also found to be substantially altered. The AChE activity was recorded as decreasing in RBC membrane and brain of the cartap-treated animals. The TNF-α and IL-6 level in serum were increased expressively in the cartap challenged groups. Histological investigation of liver showed disorganized hepatic cords and severely congested central veins due to cartap. However, the A. vera extract was observed to significantly protect against the effects of cartap toxicity. The protective impact of A. vera against cartap toxicity may be due to the existence of antioxidants in it. These findings suggest that A. vera may be developed as a potential supplement to the appropriate medication in the treatment of cartap toxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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14 pages, 2438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunotoxicity and Transcriptome Analyses of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos Exposed to 6:2 FTSA

by Jing Zhang, Zongming Ren and Meng Chen

Toxics 2023, 11(5), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050459 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348

Abstract

As a new alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) has been widely produced and used in recent years, and its concentration and frequency of detection in the aquatic environment and aquatic organisms are increasing. However, studies of [...] Read more.

As a new alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) has been widely produced and used in recent years, and its concentration and frequency of detection in the aquatic environment and aquatic organisms are increasing. However, studies of its toxicity in aquatic biological systems are alarmingly scarce, and the relevant toxicological information needs to be improved. In this study, we investigated AB wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos subjected to acute 6:2 FTSA exposure for immunotoxicity using immunoassays and transcriptomics. Immune indexes showed significant decreases in SOD and LZM activities, but no significant change in NO content. Other indexes (TNOS, iNOS, ACP, AKP activities, and MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, TLR4 content) all showed significant increases. These results indicated that 6:2 FTSA induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in zebrafish embryos and exhibited immunotoxicity. Consistently, transcriptomics showed that genes involved in the MAPK, TLR and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways (hsp70, hsp701, stat1b, irf3, cxcl8b, map3k8, il1b, tnfa and nfkb) were significantly upregulated after 6:2 FTSA exposure, suggesting that 6:2 FTSA might induce immunotoxicity in zebrafish embryos through the TLR/NOD-MAPK pathway. The results of this study indicate that the safety of 6:2 FTSA should be examined further. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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16 pages, 4073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Impact of Individual and Combined Toxicity of Imidacloprid, Cycloxaprid, and Tebuconazole on Daphnia magna

by Yanli Man, Tian Sun, Chi Wu, Xingang Liu and Mingyuan He

Toxics 2023, 11(5), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050428 - 4 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

The risks posed by chemicals in the environment are typically assessed on a substance-by-substance basis, often neglecting the effects of mixtures. This may lead to an underestimation of the actual risk. In our study, we investigated the effects of three commonly used pesticides—imidacloprid [...] Read more.

The risks posed by chemicals in the environment are typically assessed on a substance-by-substance basis, often neglecting the effects of mixtures. This may lead to an underestimation of the actual risk. In our study, we investigated the effects of three commonly used pesticides—imidacloprid (IMI), cycloxaprid (CYC), and tebuconazole (TBZ)—both individually and in combination, using various biomarkers to assess their impact on daphnia. Our findings indicated that the order of toxicity, from highest to lowest, was TBZ, IMI, and CYC, as determined by acute toxicity as well as reproduction. The effects of the ITmix (IMI and TBZ) and CTmix (CYC and TBZ) combinations on immobilization and reproduction were evaluated by MIXTOX, revealing a higher risk of immobilization at low concentrations for ITmix. The effect on reproduction differed depending on the ration of pesticides in the mixture, with synergism observed, which may be caused mainly by IMI. However, CTmix showed antagonism for acute toxicity, with the effect on reproduction depending upon the composition of the mixture. The response surface also exhibited a switch between antagonism and synergism. Additionally, the pesticides extended the body length and inhibited the development period. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) content was also significantly induced at different dosage points in both the single and combination groups, indicating changes in the metabolic capabilities of detoxifying enzymes and target site sensitivity. These findings highlight the need for more attention to be focused on the effects of pesticide mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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13 pages, 1557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating Ecotoxicity Risks of Pesticides on Ornamental Plants Based on Life Cycle Assessment

by Xinhan Yin, Lei Feng and Yi Gong

Toxics 2023, 11(4), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040360 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Ornamental plants such as floriculture and nurseries, have become increasingly popular, but their growth relies heavily on the use of many different types of pesticides. The widespread and inefficient use of these pesticides causes environmental pollution and damage to non-target organisms. Despite these [...] Read more.

Ornamental plants such as floriculture and nurseries, have become increasingly popular, but their growth relies heavily on the use of many different types of pesticides. The widespread and inefficient use of these pesticides causes environmental pollution and damage to non-target organisms. Despite these impacts, there has been little research conducted on potential agrochemical pollution in the ornamental plant industry. To address this gap, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the pesticide-related freshwater ecotoxicity impact of the US ornamental plant industry in comparison to that of major field crops. The study analyzed 195 pesticide active ingredients used in 15 major ornamental plant and four field crops. Results showed that the freshwater ecotoxicity per area (PAF m³ d/ha) of ornamental plants was significantly higher than that of field crops due to the high pesticide intensity (kg/ha) and ecotoxicity of insecticides and fungicides used in floriculture and nurseries. To mitigate environmental stress, minimizing the use of highly toxic pesticides is recommended. A ban on low-dose, high-toxicity pesticides could reduce pesticide-driven ecotoxicity by 34% and 49% for floriculture and nursery plants, respectively. This study is among the first to quantify the pesticide-driven ecotoxicity impacts of horticultural ornamental plants and proposes feasible ways to reduce these impacts, thus making the world more sustainable while still preserving its beauty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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10 pages, 1638 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Enantioselective Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage Induced by Rac- and S-metolachlor on the Earthworm Eisenia fetida

by Yong Yang, Li Li, Zhaozhen Luo, Yuqiang Zhao, Yalin Mu and Qingming Zhang

Toxics 2023, 11(3), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11030246 - 6 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1271

Abstract

Metolachlor is a widely used chiral herbicide. However, information on its enantioselective toxicity to earthworms, an important soil organism, remains limited. Herein, the effects of Rac- and S-metolachlor on oxidative stress and DNA damage in Eisenia fetida were investigated and compared. [...] Read more.

Metolachlor is a widely used chiral herbicide. However, information on its enantioselective toxicity to earthworms, an important soil organism, remains limited. Herein, the effects of Rac- and S-metolachlor on oxidative stress and DNA damage in Eisenia fetida were investigated and compared. Moreover, the degradation of both herbicides in the soil was also determined. The results showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) in E. fetida were more easily induced by Rac-metolachlor than S-metolachlor at a higher concentration (above 16 µg/g). Similarly, the effects of Rac-metolachlor on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and DNA damage in E. fetida were more significant than those of S-metolachlor at the same exposure concentration and time. Rac- and S-metolachlor did not result in severe lipid peroxidation. The toxic effects of both herbicides on E. fetida gradually decreased after 7 days as the exposure was prolonged. At the same concentration, S-metolachlor degrades faster than Rac-metolachlor. These results suggest that Rac-metolachlor has a greater effect on E. fetida than S-metolachlor, providing a significant reference for the rational use of metolachlor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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12 pages, 2963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Oxathiapiprolin on the Structure, Diversity and Function of Soil Fungal Community

by Yuxuan Chen, Fengwen Zhang, Bin Huang, Jie Wang, Haixia Huang, Zhanfeng Song, Shiying Nong, Chongjun Huang, Jianyu Wei and Haijiang Jia

Toxics 2022, 10(9), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10090548 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1512

Abstract

Pesticides can affect non-target microorganisms in the soil and are directly related to soil microecological health and environmental safety. Oxathiapiprolin is a piperidinyl thiazole isoxazoline fungicide that shows excellent control effect against oomycete fungal diseases, including late blight, downy mildew, root rot, stem [...] Read more.

Pesticides can affect non-target microorganisms in the soil and are directly related to soil microecological health and environmental safety. Oxathiapiprolin is a piperidinyl thiazole isoxazoline fungicide that shows excellent control effect against oomycete fungal diseases, including late blight, downy mildew, root rot, stem rot, and blight. Though it can exist stably in the soil for a long time, its effects on soil microbial structure and diversity are not well investigated. In the present study, the effects of oxathiapiprolin on the abundance and diversity of soil fungal communities in typical farmland were studied. The results show that the abundance and diversity of soil fungi were increased by oxathiapiprolin treatment with differences not significant on the 30th day. Oxathiapiprolin was found to change the structure of soil fungal communities, among which Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota were the most affected. Undefined saprophytic fungi increased in the treatment groups, and the colonization of saprophytic fungi can act as a major contributor to the function of soil microbial communities. This study lays a solid foundation regarding environmental behavior with the use of oxathiapiprolin in soil and details its scientific and rational use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure)

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