The widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides, known for their role in agriculture, has raised alarms about their impact on the environment and public health. These chemicals, designed to protect crops from pests, have increasingly been found in waterways, raising concerns about their potential harm to ecosystems and human health. As these pesticides accumulate in our rivers and lakes, questions about their long-term effects and the need for regulation have become more pressing.
A comprehensive review of neonicotinoid (NEO) pesticides in China's waterways has revealed growing concern about their environmental and public health impacts. The study, led by Professor Jia-Qian Jiang from Glasgow Caledonian University together with Shaoqing Zhang from Inner Mongolia University, provides an in-depth analysis of the emergence and distribution of OCT, highlighting important ecological risks. The findings were published in the journal Environments.
Neonicotinoids, widely used as systemic insecticides in agriculture, horticulture and homes, have been increasingly adopted as substitutes for more harmful pesticides. However, its presence in the environment, particularly in aquatic systems, has raised significant concerns due to its potential adverse effects on non-target organisms, including aquatic invertebrates and possibly even humans.
Professor Jiang's review covers monitoring efforts in China's major water bodies, such as Taihu Lake, Pearl River, Yangtze River, Songhua River and Liao River. These areas have been prioritized due to their economic importance and environmental sensitivity. The study found that OCT concentrations in these regions varied, with some areas showing particularly high contamination.
Discussing the significance of these findings, Professor Jiang noted: “The increasing presence of near-Earth objects in waterways has attracted much attention and concern due to the resulting threats to ecosystems and public health.” This sentiment underlines the urgency of addressing pollution and implementing regulatory measures.
The review also notes that OCTs are found in other environmental media, including indoor dust, food products such as vegetables and cereals, and even in tea. This widespread occurrence raises concerns about long-term exposure and the potential for chronic health effects, especially among vulnerable populations such as children.
The researchers emphasized the need for more detailed studies to assess the full extent of the impact of OCTs on ecosystems and public health. They also called for the development of better management practices and alternative pest control methods to reduce reliance on these chemicals. According to Professor Jiang, “The demand for monitoring NEOs in water has led to numerous efforts in many countries and regions, but NEO pollution is still considered to lack sufficient attention and worry”.
In conclusion, Professor Jiang and Dr. Zhang's study provides crucial information on the environmental and health implications of neonicotinoid pesticides in China's waterways. Researchers urge immediate action to mitigate these risks, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring, regulation and public awareness. As the global community faces the challenges of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, studies like this one underscore the need for a balanced approach that protects both human and ecological health.
Magazine reference
Zhang, S. and Jiang, J.-Q. (2023). “Presentation and distribution of neonicotinoid pesticides in Chinese waterways: a review.” Environments, 10, 206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120206
About the author
Professor Jiang He has been active in the field of water and environmental sciences research for more than three decades. His main interests and experience lie in the development and application of new chemicals for water treatment, the application and modification of unit processes in water treatment, the degradation of emerging micropollutants and the recovery of nutrients from wastewater.
As Principal Investigator and PhD Supervisor, he effectively leads his team in initiating, conducting and successfully completing numerous research projects sponsored by the UK EPSRC, the EU Research Council and UK industries. , Scotland and internationally. Their research results have had a significant impact on research communities, as demonstrated by data from Web of Science (Clarivate) and Scopus Author (Elsevier). Recent impact data for a single year (citations in 2022, from Scopus October 1-1, 2023) has recognized him as a highly cited scientist, ranking in the top 2% in the fields of environmental sciences and chemical engineering. These statistics are updated in scientific author databases of standardized citation indicators, available in the Elsevier Data Repository (V6, doi: 10.17632/btchxktzyw.6).
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/staff/jiaqianjiang
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