Risks of large-scale use of systemic insecticides to ecosystem functioning and services

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecotoxicology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Widespread use of neonicotinoid and fipronil insecticides poses risks to ecosystem functions.
• Ecosystem services are critical for human well-being and biosphere health, and are key in ecological risk assessments.
• These insecticides contaminate soil, water, and air, threatening biodiversity and essential resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impacts of neonicotinoids and fipronil on ecosystem functioning and services.
• To broaden the understanding beyond pollination impacts to include soil, water, and community diversity.
• To highlight economic and food security concerns related to insecticide use.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of empirical studies on neonicotinoid and fipronil impacts.
• Analysis of effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Examination of impacts on key species like microbes, invertebrates, and fish.

Main Results:

• Insecticides negatively affect soil functions (decomposition, nutrient cycling) and invertebrate populations.
• Earthworms, pollinators, and freshwater taxa are highly susceptible to lethal and sublethal effects.
• While microbes and fish show less sensitivity, food chain effects and specific systems (e.g., fish-rice) warrant attention.

Conclusions:

• Neonicotinoids and fipronil significantly disrupt ecosystem services, affecting biodiversity and resilience.
• Protecting ecosystem services requires restricting systemic insecticide use.
• Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is essential for maintaining food security and ecosystem integrity.