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Keywords = neonicotinoid insecticides

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14 pages, 544 KB  
Article
Detection of Dinotefuran Residues in Fruits and Vegetables Using GC-MS/MS and Its Environmental Behavior and Dietary Risks
by Chengling Ma, Jiamin Li, Peng Xue and Hao Zhang
Toxics 2025, 13(10), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13100816 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 301
Abstract
This study developed a gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method for detecting dinotefuran residues in fruits and vegetables. The modified extraction procedure employed solvent conversion for GC-MS/MS compatibility, achieving a linear range of 0.001–2.0 mg/kg (r2 > 0.999), a LOD of 0.003 [...] Read more.
This study developed a gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method for detecting dinotefuran residues in fruits and vegetables. The modified extraction procedure employed solvent conversion for GC-MS/MS compatibility, achieving a linear range of 0.001–2.0 mg/kg (r2 > 0.999), a LOD of 0.003 mg/kg, and a LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Recovery rates ranged from 88.2% to 104.5% (RSD: 3.5–5.8%). The analysis of 18 commercial samples from Weifang, China, revealed the highest residues in nectarines (0.12 mg/kg) and lowest residues in cucumbers (0.02 mg/kg), with the dietary exposure risk assessment indicating hazard quotients well below safety thresholds. The literature review showed that dinotefuran has a shorter soil half-life (10–30 days) than most neonicotinoids, a low adsorption coefficient (Koc 30–50), high leaching potential, and significant toxicity to pollinators (LD50 = 0.023 μg/bee). The validated method provides reliable detection across diverse matrices, while the environmental behavior analysis highlights the need for the careful management of dinotefuran applications to minimize ecological impacts despite its favorable degradation profile compared to other neonicotinoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology)
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29 pages, 2190 KB  
Review
The Sublethal Effects of Neonicotinoids on Honeybees
by Zunair Ahsan, Zhijia Wu, Zheguang Lin, Ting Ji and Kang Wang
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081076 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2066
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are indispensable pollinators vital to global biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and agricultural productivity, and they promote over 35% of food crops and 75% of flowering plants. Yet, they are in unprecedented decline, partly as a result of neonicotinoid pesticide [...] Read more.
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are indispensable pollinators vital to global biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and agricultural productivity, and they promote over 35% of food crops and 75% of flowering plants. Yet, they are in unprecedented decline, partly as a result of neonicotinoid pesticide use elsewhere. These effects on honey bee health are synthesized in this paper through molecular, physiological, and behavioral data showing that sublethal effects of neonicotinoids impair honey bee health. As neurotoxic insecticides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), these insecticides interfere with neurotransmission and underlie cognitive impairment, immune suppression, and oxidative stress. Developmental toxicity is manifested in larvae as retarded growth, reduced feeding, and increased death; queen and drone reproduction are impaired, lowering colony viability. As a result, adult bees have shortened lives and erratic foraging, are further disoriented, and experience impaired navigation, communication, and resource collection. Together, these effects cascade to reduced brood care, thermoregulatory failure, and heretofore unrecognized increased susceptibility to pathogens, increasing the probability of colony collapse at the colony level. Contaminants such as pesticides may cause pollinator exposure and, in turn, may cause their population to be undermined if they are not mitigated; therefore, urgent mitigation strategies, including integrated pest management (IPM), regulatory reforms, and adoption of biopesticides, are needed to mitigate pollinator exposure. The focus of this review lies in the ecological necessity of restructuring how agriculture is managed to simultaneously meet food security and the conservation of honeybee health, the linchpin of global ecosystems. Full article
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19 pages, 629 KB  
Article
Pesticide and Liver Biomarkers Among Ecuadorian Adolescents and Adults Living in Agricultural Settings
by Priyanka Mehta, Rajendra P. Parajuli, Briana N. C. Chronister, Kun Yang, Dana B. Barr, Xin M. Tu, Dolores Lopez-Paredes and Jose R. Suarez-Lopez
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080685 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 802
Abstract
Background: Experimental studies suggest that some insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides can result in liver cell death, but population-based evidence is lacking. We investigated associations between urinary pesticide metabolites and liver biomarkers among adolescents and adults in an Ecuadorian agricultural area. Methods: We examined [...] Read more.
Background: Experimental studies suggest that some insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides can result in liver cell death, but population-based evidence is lacking. We investigated associations between urinary pesticide metabolites and liver biomarkers among adolescents and adults in an Ecuadorian agricultural area. Methods: We examined participants in 2016 (N = 528, 11–17 years) and 2022 (N = 505, 17–24 years). Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, soluble cytokeratin-18, and erythrocytic acetylcholinesterase were measured. Urinary biomarkers included four organophosphates, six neonicotinoids, three pyrethroids, two herbicides, and two fungicides. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models examined associations and introduced sex and age interaction terms and quadratic terms. Quantile g-computation evaluated the effects of pesticide mixtures. Results: No significant associations were observed between pesticide biomarkers and liver biomarkers in longitudinal or cross-sectional analyses. A curvilinear association was found between 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA; pyrethroid) and ALT (βquadratic = −0.35, 95% CI: [−0.67, −0.04]) in 2016, but not in 2022. Sex modified the associations of 3-PBA with AST, ALT, and CK18-M65 in adolescents (2016), with non-significant positive associations observed in males and non-significant negative associations observed in females. No pesticide mixture effects were observed. Conclusions: Urinary biomarkers of various insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and their mixtures were not associated with liver biomarkers among adolescents and young adults in agricultural settings. These largely null findings, consistent across time points, suggest background-level exposures in these settings possibly do not harm liver health in this population, though effects at higher exposures cannot be ruled out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Priority Substances)
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16 pages, 2505 KB  
Article
Rapid Detection of Pesticide Residues in Leaf Vegetables by SERS Technology
by Fang Peng, Shuanggen Huang, Qi Chen, Ni Tong and Yan Wu
Sensors 2025, 25(16), 4912; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25164912 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Organophosphate pesticides, fungicides, and neonicotinoid insecticides are frequently employed in the cultivation and production of leafy vegetables. The conventional detection methods for these pesticides rely on chromatographic techniques, which are characterized by good precision and sensitivity. Nevertheless, these methods suffer from drawbacks such [...] Read more.
Organophosphate pesticides, fungicides, and neonicotinoid insecticides are frequently employed in the cultivation and production of leafy vegetables. The conventional detection methods for these pesticides rely on chromatographic techniques, which are characterized by good precision and sensitivity. Nevertheless, these methods suffer from drawbacks such as complex sample pretreatment, prolonged detection times, and high costs, hindering the realization of on-site detection. This paper introduces a detection method based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of pesticide residues in leafy vegetables. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were meticulously synthesized to serve as the substrate for enhancing Raman signals. The average particle size was approximately 50 nm, and a significant absorption peak appeared at 536 nm. The density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP/6-311G was utilized to calculate the theoretical Raman spectra of the pesticides. The characteristic Raman peaks of the pesticides were selected as calibration peaks to establish calibration equations relating the concentration of pesticide residues to the intensity of these calibration peaks. By substituting the intensity of the calibration peak corresponding to the lowest detectable limit in the SERS spectra into the calibration equation, the quantitative detection limit was calculated. The study revealed that the detection limit for phosmet residues in Chinese cabbage could be was below 0.5 mg/kg, with an R2 of 0.93363, a standard deviation ranging from 3.87% to 8.56%, and recovery rates between 94.67% and 112.89%. For thiabendazole residues in water spinach, the detection limit could be below 1 mg/kg, with an R2 of 0.98291, a standard deviation of between 1.71% and 9.29%, and recovery rates ranging from 87.67% to 107.83%. In the case of acetamiprid residues in pakchoi, the detection limit could also be below 1 mg/kg, with an R2 of 0.95332, a standard deviation of between 4.00% and 9.10%, and recovery rates ranging from 90.67% to 113.75%. These findings demonstrate that the SERS-based detection method for the semi-quantitative and qualitative analysis of pesticide residues in leafy vegetables is an effective approach, enabling rapid and reliable detection of pesticide residues in leafy vegetables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart Agriculture)
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26 pages, 5270 KB  
Article
Gallic Acid and Taurine Attenuate Thiamethoxam-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats by Modulating SIRT-1/PGC-1α, NF-κB/iNOS, and p53/Bax/Caspase-3 Pathways
by Sara T. Elazab, Fatmah A. Safhi, Rasha K. Al-Akeel, Raghda H. Deraz, Souvarish Sarkar and Rania Essam Ali Gamal Eldin
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081112 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 898
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Thiamethoxam (TMX) is one of the most extensively utilized insecticides of the neonicotinoid family; however, its application is associated with notable toxic effects on multiple organs of mammals. Our purpose was to explore the potential hepatoprotective effect of taurine (TAU) and/or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Thiamethoxam (TMX) is one of the most extensively utilized insecticides of the neonicotinoid family; however, its application is associated with notable toxic effects on multiple organs of mammals. Our purpose was to explore the potential hepatoprotective effect of taurine (TAU) and/or gallic acid (GA) against TMX-induced liver damage, with an emphasis on their role in regulating SIRT-1/PGC-1α, NF-κB/iNOS, and p53/Bax/caspase-3 pathways. Methods: Rats were assigned to seven groups (n = 6) and gavaged daily for 28 days with saline (control group), TAU at 50 mg/kg, GA at 20 mg/kg, TMX at 78.15 mg/kg, TMX + TAU, TMX + GA, and TMX + TAU + GA. Results: The findings revealed that TAU and/or GA attenuated TMX-induced liver injury, as demonstrated by the restoration of hepatic performance hallmarks and histological structure. TAU and GA mitigated TMX-mediated oxidative stress and boosted the antioxidant defense mechanism by upregulating the transcription levels of SIRT-1, PGC-1α, Nrf2, and HO-1. Moreover, TAU and GA suppressed TMX-associated inflammatory response by increasing IL-10 concentration and lowering the levels of NF-κB, IL-1β, and iNOS; the mRNA levels of NLRP3; and TNF-α immunoexpression. Both compounds, individually or concurrently, exerted an anti-apoptotic effect in TMX-treated rats, evidenced by increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced p53 mRNA level, Bax expression, and caspase-3 concentration. Conclusions: TAU and/or GA may be regarded as promising remedies that can alleviate TMX-induced hepatotoxicity by activating SIRT-1/PGC-1α signaling and abolishing inflammation and apoptosis. Full article
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13 pages, 1419 KB  
Article
Acetamiprid-Induced Toxicity Thresholds and Population Sensitivity in Trichogramma dendrolimi: Implications for Pesticide Risk Assessment
by Yan Zhang, Jiameng Ren and Shenhang Cheng
Insects 2025, 16(7), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070698 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1444
Abstract
Trichogramma dendrolimi, a key egg parasitoid for lepidopteran pest control, faces potential risks from neonicotinoid insecticides like acetamiprid used in integrated pest management (IPM). This study evaluated acetamiprid’s acute and sublethal toxicity to T. dendrolimi and assessed population-level risks via species sensitivity [...] Read more.
Trichogramma dendrolimi, a key egg parasitoid for lepidopteran pest control, faces potential risks from neonicotinoid insecticides like acetamiprid used in integrated pest management (IPM). This study evaluated acetamiprid’s acute and sublethal toxicity to T. dendrolimi and assessed population-level risks via species sensitivity distribution (SSD). Acute toxicity assays using glass-vial residues revealed a 24 h LC50 of 0.12 mg a.i. L−1 for adults, three orders of magnitude below the maximum field rate (100 mg a.i. L−1). Sublethal exposure (1/2–1/100 LC50) significantly reduced parasitism and emergence rates (NOEC = 2.3 μg a.i. L−1) but did not affect offspring survival. Acetamiprid also shortened offspring development at 11.5–57.5 μg a.i. L−1. SSD analysis identified T. dendrolimi as the most sensitive parasitoid to acetamiprid (HC5/HC50) = 0.11/5.88 mg a.i. L−1), with field rates (30–100 mg a.i. L−1) indicating a potentially affected fraction (PAF) of 76.8–97.9%. These findings underscore the need to integrate sublethal effects into pesticide regulations to conserve parasitoid-mediated ecosystem services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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14 pages, 1622 KB  
Article
Neonicotinoid Residues in Tea Products from China: Contamination Patterns and Implications for Human Exposure
by Yulong Fan, Hongwei Jin, Jinru Chen, Kai Lin, Lihua Zhu, Yijia Guo, Jiajia Ji and Xiaming Chen
Toxics 2025, 13(7), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13070550 - 29 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 868
Abstract
Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are a class of systemic insecticides widely used in agriculture owing to their high efficacy and selectivity. As one of the most globally consumed beverages, tea may represent a potential dietary source of pesticide residues. However, limited research has examined NEO [...] Read more.
Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are a class of systemic insecticides widely used in agriculture owing to their high efficacy and selectivity. As one of the most globally consumed beverages, tea may represent a potential dietary source of pesticide residues. However, limited research has examined NEO contamination in tea and its implications for human exposure, highlighting the need for further investigation. Therefore, this study comprehensively evaluated the residue characteristics, processing effects, and human exposure risks of six NEOs—dinotefuran (DIN), imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), thiamethoxam (THM), clothianidin (CLO), and thiacloprid (THI)—in Chinese tea products. According to the findings, the primary pollutants, ACE, DIN, and IMI, accounted for 95.65% of the total NEO residues in 137 tea samples, including green, oolong, white, black, dark, and herbal teas. The highest total target NEO (∑6NEOs) residue level was detected in oolong tea (mean: 57.86 ng/g). Meanwhile, IMI exhibited the highest residue level (78.88 ng/g) in herbal tea due to the absence of high-temperature fixation procedures. Concentrations of DIN in 61 samples (44.5%) exceeded the European Union’s maximum residue limit of 10 ng/g. Health risk assessment indicated that both the chronic hazard quotient (cHQ) and acute hazard quotient (aHQ) for adults and children were below the safety threshold (<1). However, children required special attention, as their exposure risk was 1.28 times higher than that of adults. The distribution of NEO residues was significantly influenced by tea processing techniques, such as full fermentation in black tea. Optimizing processing methods (e.g., using infrared enzyme deactivation) and implementing targeted pesticide application strategies may help mitigate risk. These results provide a scientific foundation for enhancing tea safety regulations and protecting consumer health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment of Emerging Chemicals)
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11 pages, 2615 KB  
Communication
The Insecticide Imidacloprid Promotes Algal Growth in Absence of Zooplankton
by Verónica Laura Lozano, Florencia Soledad Alvarez Dalinger and Liliana Beatriz Moraña
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030090 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 785
Abstract
Imidacloprid, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, exerts its neurotoxic effects by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the effects of commercial imidacloprid formulations on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and other algal species, comparing these [...] Read more.
Imidacloprid, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, exerts its neurotoxic effects by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the effects of commercial imidacloprid formulations on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and other algal species, comparing these responses with those induced by plant hormones. Our results demonstrate that formulated imidacloprid stimulates C. vulgaris growth at concentrations as low as 7.82 μM, with a more pronounced effect than certain phytohormones. We observed similar growth-enhancing effects in other algal species exposed to imidacloprid. Notably, pure imidacloprid induced equivalent growth responses in C. vulgaris, confirming that the observed stimulation results from the active ingredient itself rather than formulation adjuvants. Given its insecticidal mode of action, potential worst-case aquatic contamination scenarios with imidacloprid may lead to significant increases in algal biomass through both direct (growth stimulation) and indirect (reduction of zooplankton grazing pressure) mechanisms. Full article
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14 pages, 4013 KB  
Article
Imidacloprid Resistance Challenges in Brazilian Strains of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
by Felipe Andreazza, Flávio Roberto Mello Garcia, Pedro Bento da Silva, Lucas Bretas Barbosa, Joel Marques de Oliveira, Gabriel Netto Araújo and Eugenio E. Oliveira
Insects 2025, 16(5), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050494 - 5 May 2025
Viewed by 897
Abstract
Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a relevant pest affecting berries and stone fruits globally, including in the Neotropical region, where its invasion was reported about a decade ago. Despite chemical control being the main management method for D. suzukii, data on insecticide susceptibility [...] Read more.
Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a relevant pest affecting berries and stone fruits globally, including in the Neotropical region, where its invasion was reported about a decade ago. Despite chemical control being the main management method for D. suzukii, data on insecticide susceptibility in Neotropical D. suzukii populations are scarce. Here, we assessed the susceptibility of three field-collected Brazilian D. suzukii populations to four insecticides (i.e., deltamethrin, permethrin, spinetoram, imidacloprid) and contrasted this with a standard insecticide-susceptible population. Using the discriminating concentration (LC90) from the standard susceptible population, we identified resistant populations. Synergist exposure (piperonyl butoxide, triphenyl phosphate, diethyl maleate) indicated the role of detoxification enzymes in resistance. Our results showed that deltamethrin was the most toxic, followed by spinetoram, permethrin, and imidacloprid. While all field populations were similarly susceptible to pyrethroids and spinosyns, one population from Minas Gerais (i.e., Paula Candido) had significantly lower imidacloprid susceptibility, with only 53.4 ± 5.2% mortality at 10.0 g/L (the equivalent of 10-fold the estimated imidacloprid LC90). Only piperonyl butoxide increased the imidacloprid susceptibility of Paula Candido flies. Our findings indicate the occurrence of cytochrome P450 enzyme-based imidacloprid resistance in the state of Minas Gerais, which can challenge the management of D. suzukii in Brazil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fly Biology, Ecology, Behavior and Management—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 8350 KB  
Article
Differential Molecular Interactions of Imidacloprid with Dissolved Organic Matter in Citrus Soils with Diverse Planting Ages
by Junquan Chen, Yawen Zhang, Yanqi Guo, Kai Jiang, Duo Li and Taihui Zheng
Agriculture 2025, 15(9), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15090997 - 4 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 873
Abstract
The interactions between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and agrochemicals (e.g., neonicotinoid insecticides, NIs) govern the distribution, migration, and potential environmental risks of agrochemicals. However, the long-term effects of agricultural management on the DOM components and structure, as well as their further influences on [...] Read more.
The interactions between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and agrochemicals (e.g., neonicotinoid insecticides, NIs) govern the distribution, migration, and potential environmental risks of agrochemicals. However, the long-term effects of agricultural management on the DOM components and structure, as well as their further influences on the interactions between DOM and agrochemicals, remain unclear. Here, spectroscopic techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy, and three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy were employed to delve into the interaction mechanism between the DOM from citrus orchards with distinct cultivation ages (10, 30, and 50 years) and imidacloprid, which is a type of pesticide widely used in agricultural production. The findings revealed that the composition and structure of soil DOM significantly change with increasing cultivation age, characterized by an increase in humic substances and the emergence of new organic components, indicating complex biodegradation and chemical transformation processes of soil organic matter. Imidacloprid primarily interacts with fulvic acid-like fractions of DOM, and its binding affinity decreases with increasing cultivation age. Additionally, the interactions of protein-like fractions with imidacloprid occur after humic-like fractions, suggesting differential binding behaviors among DOM fractions. These results demonstrate that cultivation age significantly influences the composition and structural characteristics of soil DOM in citrus orchards, subsequently affecting its sorption capacity to imidacloprid. This study enhances the understanding of imidacloprid’s environmental behavior and provides theoretical support for the environmental risk management of neonicotinoid pesticides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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15 pages, 1881 KB  
Article
Characteristics of Neonicotinoids in Colostrum from Shanghai, China (2007–2019): Concentration Levels, Temporal Trends, and Potential Health Risk
by Kexin Li, Minghui Fu, Bingli Lei, Xiuhua Shen, Xinyu Zhang, Jun Xu and Xiaolan Zhang
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050366 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 806
Abstract
Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used neuroactive insecticides with several adverse effects on human health. This study examined 186 colostrum samples collected at three time points between 2007 and 2019 from Shanghai, China to investigate the distribution and temporal variations of NEOs. The median [...] Read more.
Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used neuroactive insecticides with several adverse effects on human health. This study examined 186 colostrum samples collected at three time points between 2007 and 2019 from Shanghai, China to investigate the distribution and temporal variations of NEOs. The median total concentration (ΣNEOs) was 136 ng/L, with the imidacloprid equivalent concentration (IMIeq) of 249 ng/L. N-desmethyl-acetamiprid (DM-ACE) had the highest median level at 49.6 ng/L, accounting for 43.9% of ΣNEOs, followed by imidacloprid (IMI) (20.1 ng/L and 22.1%). Thiamethoxam (THM), clothianidin, and acetamiprid were also identified as important parent compounds (p-NEOs). Temporal variations suggested a decrease in ΣNEOs, IMIeq, and DM-ACE concentrations from 2013 to 2019; however, the total concentrations of p-NEOs remained comparable. Distinct trends were also observed in the concentrations of dinotefuran and IMI. Maternal body mass index and weight changes, which reflect the dietary habits of mothers, appeared to influence IMI and THM levels. No statistically significant relationships were found between colostrum concentrations and birth parameters using full-term birth data in 2019. The estimated hazard quotients (≤0.003), which were far below the risk threshold of 1, generally indicated negligible health risks for breastfeeding neonates. Nevertheless, the substantial contribution from several p-NEOs warrants further investigation. Full article
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13 pages, 1269 KB  
Article
Acute Toxicity of Dinotefuran to Picromerus lewisi Scott (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Its Impact on Offspring Growth and Predation Ability in Integrated Pest Management
by Yutong Ji, Mengqing Wang, Chuanzhen Xue, Jianjun Mao, Yuyan Li and Lisheng Zhang
Insects 2025, 16(4), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040404 - 11 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 799
Abstract
In integrated pest management (IPM), achieving a balance between biological and chemical control strategies is essential for effective pest control. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the impact of chemical pesticides on natural enemies. Neonicotinoid insecticides, particularly dinotefuran, are among the most widely [...] Read more.
In integrated pest management (IPM), achieving a balance between biological and chemical control strategies is essential for effective pest control. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the impact of chemical pesticides on natural enemies. Neonicotinoid insecticides, particularly dinotefuran, are among the most widely used insecticides globally. This study investigated the acute toxicity of dinotefuran to adult predatory natural enemy Picromerus lewisi and evaluated its effects on offspring growth and predation. The results showed that the 72 h median lethal concentrations (LC50) of dinotefuran for female and male adults (F0) were 0.624 mg/L and 0.592 mg/L, respectively. Exposure to LC50 concentrations of dinotefuran significantly reduced parental fecundity, longevity, and offspring growth and predatory ability. The most pronounced effects were observed when both female and male adults were exposed. Specifically, the pre-oviposition period was 2.64 times longer than in the control group, oviposition frequency dropped to 18.6%, total fecundity decreased to 13.4%, and the offspring emergence rate was reduced to 50% of the control group’s level. Furthermore, predation efficacy of F1 generation (5th instar nymphs and adults) on Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera litura larvae reduced by 52.76% to 66.81%. Exposure of only female adults also led to significant but less severe effects on offspring, while male-only exposure showed the least impact. These findings highlighted the toxicological risks of dinotefuran to P. lewisi, impairing both reproductive and predatory functions, which could undermine biological control and affect the success of IPM strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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13 pages, 3804 KB  
Article
A Mechanistic Approach Toward Enhanced Remediation Potential of Thiacloprid by Zero-Valent Iron/Biochar Supplemented with Organic Acids
by Lin Pan, Shuai Qu and Longfei Liu
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(8), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15080570 - 8 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 573
Abstract
The excessive levels of neonicotinoid insecticides, particularly thiacloprid (THI), in the environment have become a significant threat to ecosystems. This study investigates the catalytic degradation of THI using pinewood biochar (PBC), zero-valent iron (ZVI), and ZVI/PBC composite, with a particular focus on the [...] Read more.
The excessive levels of neonicotinoid insecticides, particularly thiacloprid (THI), in the environment have become a significant threat to ecosystems. This study investigates the catalytic degradation of THI using pinewood biochar (PBC), zero-valent iron (ZVI), and ZVI/PBC composite, with a particular focus on the reaction activity modulation mediated by organic acids (humic acid: HA and oxalic acid: OA). Reductive dechlorination dominated THI degradation as observed by Cl release kinetics. Compared to HA (39.73%), the OA (73.44%) addition markedly increased the THI removal efficiency by ZVI/PBC, which alone has a lower removal efficacy, i.e., 37.29%. The increase in the THI removal rate was attributed to its enhanced electron transfer capacity. As confirmed by electrochemical characterization, the addition of organic acids promotes electron transfer between THI and catalysts (ZVI, PBC, or ZVI/PBC), thereby improving the removal efficiency of THI. XRD/XPS analyses elucidated that OA preferentially converted passivating Fe2O3/Fe3O4 on ZVI/PBC to reactive FeOOH and formed electron-conductive Fe–COO bonds, thereby suppressing oxide layer formation. PBC amplified these effects through ZVI dispersion and electron shuttling, reducing aggregation-induced activity loss. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for optimizing ligand-engineered iron composites, offering practical strategies to enhance pesticide remediation efficiency in organic acid-rich environmental systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Evaluation of Nanomaterials for Agriculture)
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16 pages, 2250 KB  
Article
Chronic Exposure to Field-Level Thiamethoxam Impairs Gut Tissue and Reduces Honeybee (Apis cerana) Survival
by Yulong Guo, Changsheng Ma, Wenzheng Zhao, Haiou Kuang, Yakai Tian, Haoyuan Zhang, Yunfei Xue, Hongmei Li-Byarlay, Kun Dong and Xueyang Gong
Insects 2025, 16(4), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040372 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 944
Abstract
Pesticides such as neonicotinoids frequently harm beneficial insect pollinators and affect their survival, social behavior, digestive system, and metabolism. Investigating the mechanisms behind these impairments is crucial for enhancing pesticide risk assessments. Apis cerana, a native honeybee species in Asia, has received [...] Read more.
Pesticides such as neonicotinoids frequently harm beneficial insect pollinators and affect their survival, social behavior, digestive system, and metabolism. Investigating the mechanisms behind these impairments is crucial for enhancing pesticide risk assessments. Apis cerana, a native honeybee species in Asia, has received limited research attention regarding the toxicological mechanisms of thiamethoxam (TMX) exposure. We exposed newly emerged worker bees of A. cerana to a field-relevant dose of TMX (400 ng/g) under laboratory conditions to examine whether TMX exposure triggers similar or distinct effects in different biological processes and tissues. Our results demonstrate that TMX damages the gut cell structure and significantly increases mortality. Gut transcriptomic analysis revealed that the activation of signaling pathways such as glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, Notch signaling, and Wnt signaling likely contributed to structural damage in gut cells. Head transcriptomic results indicated that the activation of pathways including pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, thiamine metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism might negatively affect the stability of the neural system in A. cerana. The metabolic dysfunction of glycine, serine, threonine, as well as glycerophospholipids potentially impairs the neural system, leading to behavioral abnormalities and mortality. In summary, field-level TMX damages the gut cell structure, destabilizes the neural system, and increases the mortality rate of A. cerana. These findings demonstrate that TMX exposure induces complex, tissue-specific effects. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and physiological impacts of TMX on A. cerana, offering valuable insights for the conservation and protection of this important pollinator species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)
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15 pages, 3501 KB  
Article
Imidacloprid Exposure Induced Impaired Intestinal Immune Function in Procambarus clarkii: Involvement of Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, and Autophagy
by Zhaolin Li, Yong Shi, Kai Xie, Lei Zhong, Yi Hu and Kaijian Chen
Fishes 2025, 10(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10030131 - 17 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 650
Abstract
Imidacloprid (IMI), a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, has raised environmental concerns due to its potential impact on non-target aquatic organisms. This study investigates the effects of IMI exposure on the intestinal immune function of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, P. clarkii [...] Read more.
Imidacloprid (IMI), a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, has raised environmental concerns due to its potential impact on non-target aquatic organisms. This study investigates the effects of IMI exposure on the intestinal immune function of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, P. clarkii), focusing on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and autophagy. The P. clarkii was exposed to different doses of IMI (0, 10.93, 21.86, 43.73, 87.45 μg/L) for 96 h. Our findings reveal that IMI exposure leads to a survival rate of less than 70% when the concentration was 87.45 μg/L at 96 h. Hemolymph LZM and AKP contents were significantly decreased at the medium and high concentrations, and the expressions of hsp70 and nf-κb genes were significantly up-regulated. The expression of the lysozyme gene was significantly down-regulated. Additionally, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPX were significantly decreased, the contents of MDA were significantly increased, and the gene expressions of CuZnsod, mMnsod, cat, and gpx in the gut were significantly down-regulated after exposure to medium-high IMI. The expression of autophagy-related genes showed that the expressions of beclin1, atg5, atg13, and lc3c genes in the medium- and high-concentration groups were significantly up-regulated. In summary, this study elucidates that medium-high levels of IMI exposure impair intestinal immune function in P. clarkii through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and autophagy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological Response Mechanisms of Aquatic Animals to Stress)
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