Abstract
Sulfoxaflor is a new kind of neonicotinoid insecticide that is used to control sap-feeding insect pests. In this study, a hazard assessment of sulfoxaflor on soil invertebrate earthworms was performed under effective concentrations. The results showed that different exposure times and doses had significant influence on the toxicity of sulfoxaflor. Sulfoxaflor degraded quickly in artificial soil with a degradation rate of 0.002–0.017 mg/(kg·d) and a half-life of 12.0–15.4 d. At 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg, the ·OH− content, antioxidant enzyme activeities, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content and 8-OHdG content had significant differences compared to those in the control group. On the 56th day, significant differences were only observed in the Glutathione S-transferase enzyme (GST) activity and 8-OHdG content at 1.0 mg/kg compared to those in the control group due to the degradation of sulfoxaflor. This indicated that the risk of sulfoxaflor to earthworms was reduced because it was easily degraded in soil. However, because sulfoxaflor is a super toxic pollutant to earthworms, high concentrations of sulfoxaflor should not be released into the soil environment.
Highlights
According to annual global reports, crop damage caused by insect pests such as aphids has become increasingly widespread [1,2]
Whereas some neonicotinoids are banned in certain areas due to their increasingly negative effects, the demand for sulfoxaflor production is increasing [8] and it has been investigated for commercial development [4]
As one of the novel neonicotinoid insecticides, sulfoxaflor is slightly toxic to Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and the L4 larvae of Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) [7,9,10]
Summary
According to annual global reports, crop damage caused by insect pests such as aphids has become increasingly widespread [1,2]. The study reported by Cutler et al [6] proved that the pharmacological effect of sulfoxaflor on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in aphids is consistent with that of imidacloprid. Sulfoxaflor, a fourth-generation neonicotinoid, acts mainly on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) of the pest central nervous system, causing the pests to stop eating and eventually die [7]. Sulfoxaflor is mainly applied to control pests of important crops, such as rice, vegetables, citrus and tea trees; in this way, it is released into the soil environment. There is no current research focus on hazard assessment regarding soil
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
