Abstract
Environmental risk assessment is a key process for the authorization of pesticides, and is subjected to continuous challenges and updates. Current approaches are based on standard scenarios and independent substance-crop assessments. This arrangement does not address the complexity of agricultural ecosystems with mammals feeding on different crops. This work presents a simplified model for regulatory use addressing landscape variability, co-exposure to several pesticides, and predicting the effect on population abundance. The focus is on terrestrial vertebrates and the aim is the identification of the key risk drivers impacting on mid-term population dynamics. The model is parameterized for EU assessments according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Guidance Document, but can be adapted to other regulatory schemes. The conceptual approach includes two modules: (a) the species population dynamics, and (b) the population impact of pesticide exposure. Population dynamics is modelled through daily survival and seasonal reproductions rates; which are modified in case of pesticide exposure. All variables, parameters, and functions can be modified. The model has been calibrated with ecological data for wild rabbits and brown hares and tested for two herbicides, glyphosate and bromoxynil, using validated toxicity data extracted from EFSA assessments. Results demonstrate that the information available for a regulatory assessment, according to current EU information requirements, is sufficient for predicting the impact and possible consequences at population dynamic levels. The model confirms that agroecological parameters play a key role when assessing the effect of pesticide exposure on population abundance. The integration of laboratory toxicity studies with this simplified landscape model allows for the identification of conditions leading to population vulnerability or resilience. An Annex includes a detailed assessment of the model characteristics according to the EFSA scheme on Good Modelling Practice.
Highlights
Environmental risk assessment is a key process for the authorization of pesticides, subjected to continuous challenges and updates [1]
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the brown hare (Lepus europaeus) are the representative species of large herbivorous mammals included in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance [3]
The model was calibrated and verified for regulatory use qualification by comparing the outcomes of the specific model subroutines with manual calculations using the equations implemented in the model
Summary
Ecological Risk Drivers of Pesticide Applications, Part One: Case Study for Large Herbivorous Mammals. Identifying Ecological Risk Drivers of Pesticide Applications, Part One: Case Study for Large Herbivorous. Scientific Committee and Emerging Risks Unit, European Food Safety Authority, 43126 Parma, Italy
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have