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Neonicotinoid insecticides in paddy fields: Dissipation dynamics, migration, and dietary risk
Zhikun Liu1, Fuxiang Zhang2, Shang Gao2
1International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150030, China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Protection of Songhua River Basin, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150030, China; School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang University, Weifang, Shandong, 261061, China.
Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) contaminate ecosystems. This study tracked imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin in paddy fields, finding low dietary risks from rice consumption.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) cause widespread environmental contamination.
- NNIs pose a threat to ecosystem health by harming non-target species.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze NNI distribution and migration in paddy fields.
- Assess dietary risks associated with rice consumption after NNI application.
Main Methods:
- Collected water, soil, and rice plant samples post-imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin application.
- Analyzed NNI concentrations and dissipation kinetics.
- Calculated bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs).
Main Results:
- NNI concentrations in paddy water peaked and then decreased; clothianidin > thiamethoxam > imidacloprid initially.
- Soil NNI concentrations peaked at 2 hours post-application, showing an inverse trend to water.
- NNIs exhibited bi-directional transport in plants via leaf absorption and root uptake.
Conclusions:
- NNI dissipation generally followed first-order kinetics, except for imidacloprid in soil.
- Bi-directional transport of NNIs in plants was confirmed.
- Dietary risk from rice consumption was low across all age groups, with slightly higher exposure for males.

