Dithiocarbamates: Properties, Methodological Approaches and Challenges to Their Control

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Dithiocarbamates (DTCs) are ancient, broad-spectrum fungicides crucial for global crop protection.
• Their multi-site mode of action and cost-effectiveness ensure continued extensive use in modern agriculture.
• Despite rapid environmental breakdown, DTCs are frequently detected in the EU, often exceeding maximum residue levels (MRLs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review dithiocarbamates (DTCs).
• To cover environmental fate, toxicity, and analytical methods for DTCs and their degradation products.
• To examine DTC accumulation in food, environmental, and biological samples and assess human health impacts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of dithiocarbamate pesticides.
• Analysis of environmental degradation pathways (photolysis, hydrolysis).
• Review of analytical techniques for detecting DTCs and metabolites in various matrices.

Main Results:

• DTCs exhibit rapid environmental degradation but are frequently detected residues.
• High frequency of MRL exceedances observed in European Union monitoring.
• Accumulation in food, environmental, and human samples is a significant concern.

Conclusions:

• DTCs remain vital agricultural fungicides due to efficacy and low cost.
• Concerns persist regarding environmental persistence, residue levels, and potential human health risks.
• Further research on analytical methods and health effects is warranted.