Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides in the world and selective toxicity has resulted in the rapid and ubiquitous use of these compounds. Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine and are widely used in agriculture to protect crops from various insects. They are also used for other purposes, including killing insects in homes, controlling fleas on pets, and protecting trees from invasive insects such as the Emerald Ash borer. To date Imidacloprid is the most widely used insecticide in the world. The neonicotinoid family focused in this study includes acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam.
The objective of this study was to collect and assess fish health metrics and neonicotinoid concentrations in water from four creeks and streams (Cedar Creek, Hillman Marsh, Sturgeon Creek, and Lebo Creek) within Essex County, Ontario Canada.
Supplemental Information
This work supports an on-going pesticide assessments through The Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)