Biocidal Products Research Articles

Comparison of the drift potential of two application methods for the control of oak processionary moths with biocidal products in an oak avenue

The control of oak processionary moths (OPM; Thaumetopoea processionea) with biocidal products has become more important to protect humans from its urticating hairs. Two important application methods are cannon sprayers and helicopters. However, drift of insecticides to non-target areas might occur during the treatment resulting in potential risks for non-target organisms. Until now, information about the direct drift resulting from the applications are missing because equipment for the application of biocidal products is not tested or regulated within Europe. The aim of this work is to measure the direct drift in up to 100 m distance resulting from the application of biocidal products using a cannon sprayer and helicopter in an oak avenue. Furthermore, two different nozzles were tested for the helicopter application. The results show high drift potential with decreasing concentrations in relation to the distance to the treated area. Considering the 50th percentile of the results, the cannon sprayer produced generally more drift than the helicopter. Considering the 90th percentile at near distance, the helicopter equipped with ID-120-05 POM nozzles showed a significantly lower drift than both other tested techniques, the helicopter equipped with the Airmix 110 05 nozzles and the cannon sprayer. Hundred m away from the treated area, both nozzles installed at the helicopter showed a lower drift than the cannon sprayer. For the first time, this study shows the drift potential of applications of biocidal products and shows the possibilities to reduce drift into non-target areas by choosing appropriate equipment. This leads to a reduction of risks for non-target organisms in the vicinity of treated avenues.

AN OVERVIEW ON CURRENT REGULATION AND EVALUATION OF BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS

A biocidal product is a substance or mixture prepared to limit, destroy, neutralize or control the effects of a harmful microorganism, plants and animals. The active substance in a biocidal product can be a natural oil or extract, a chemical substance or a microorganism, virus or fungus. Biocides consist of four main groups: disinfectants, preservatives (wood, paint, etc.), pest control and other type of biocidal products. A biocidal substance can also be added to a product to make the product itself into a biocidal product. These products range from disinfectants, hand sanitizers, preservatives, insect repellents, to rodenticides and insecticides and are used to protect humans, animals, materials and articles by controlling the intended target organism by a chemical or biological action. To make sure the use of biocidal products do not have unacceptable risks for people, animals and the environment, they are regulated to control their marketing, sale and use. In the current study biocidal products have been overviewed in the scope of current European Union regulations, product types and conformity tests.
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 Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10
 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10
 Reviewer(s) detail:
 Name: Dr. Barkat Ali Khan
 Affiliation: Kampala International University , Uganda
 E-mail: barki.gold@gmail.com
 
 Name: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby
 Affiliation: Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt
 E-mail: sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com
 Comments of reviewer(s): 

White-Rot Fungi Control on Populus spp. Wood by Pressure Treatments with Silver Nanoparticles, Chitosan Oligomers and Propolis

There is growing interest in the development of non-toxic, natural wood preservation agents to replace conventional chemicals. In this paper, the antifungal activities of silver nanoparticles, chitosan oligomers, and propolis ethanolic extract were evaluated against white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd, with a view to protecting Populus spp. wood. In order to create a more realistic in-service type environment, the biocidal products were assessed according to EN:113 European standard, instead of using routine in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods. Wood blocks were impregnated with the aforementioned antifungal agents by the vacuum-pressure method in an autoclave, and their biodeterioration was monitored over 16 weeks. The results showed that treatments based on silver nanoparticles, at concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 ppm, presented high antifungal activity, protecting the wood from fungal attack over time, with weight losses in the range of 8.49% to 8.94% after 16 weeks, versus 24.79% weight loss in the control (untreated) samples. This was confirmed by SEM and optical microscopy images, which showed a noticeably higher cell wall degradation in control samples than in samples treated with silver nanoparticles. On the other hand, the efficacy of the treatments based on chitosan oligomers and propolis gradually decreased over time, which would be a limiting factor for their application as wood preservatives. The nanometal-based approach is thus posed as the preferred choice for the industrial treatment of poplar wood aimed at wood-based engineering products (plywood, laminated veneer lumber, cross-laminated timber, etc.).

미국 살생물제 관리법제와 우리나라 화학제품안전법의 비교법적 연구

미국 살생물제 관리법제와 우리나라 화학제품안전법의 비교법적 연구

Evaluation of acute lethal response of Corcyra cephalonica to Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner Var. kurstaki, strain ABTS-351, an isolate of strain HD-1

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most successful among other microbial pesticides. The microbe formulations are being implemented in many IPM programs. Among many subspecies, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner Var. kurstaki subspecies is specifically used against lepidopteran pests. Its strain ABTS-351 (Btk ABTS-351) is the active biocide product in several new Bt formulations and is essentially an isolate of strain HD-1. Efficacy screening is imperative due to chances of pest insects developing resistance to Bt formulations. This study was conducted to characterize Btk ABTS-351 strain for potent insecticidal activity against Rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica larvae in local conditions. The LC50 value (with 95% confidence limits) of Bt on C. cephalonica 4th instar larvae for 24 hr was 65.813 (52.946 – 85.689) mg/mL. This value is comparatively higher than those observed in other lepidopteran larvae. The toxicity and mode of action of this formulation can be used efficiently to manage stored grain pests like C. cephalonica, and also has the potential to be combined with other compatible IPM control strategies.

ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTANTS: 10 YEARS OF PROGRESS IN ECOTOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES AND AQUATIC RISK ASSESSMENT

The market expansion due to globalization generated more anthropogenic contaminants, enhancing their negative impact on the environment. In order to prevent and balanced their negative effect, more rapid, sensitive and eco-friendly ecotoxicological studies as risk assessments were developed. Each country developed national programs to ensure the research infrastructure for implementation and development of new testing methodologies, generating new experimental data transferable to governmental authorities, economic agents and academia. In this review, we intend to highlighted the progress of Romanian researchers in the last 10 years in the field of ecotoxicology and aquatic risk assessment. The studies focused on aquatic systems as a non-targeted system to the anthropogenic pollutants impact. The implemented methodologies according with international requirements for chemical control like REACH Regulation, Detergents Regulation, Biocide Products Regulation or the Aquatic Risk Assessment Guidelines were presented. The ecotoxicological effects of various contaminants such as detergents, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, biocides or heavy metals and environmental polluted samples (surface water, sediment or sludge) were provided. Overall, the studies presented in our studies have a nationally novelty through the variety of test substances, the complexity of laboratory experiments and data processing. The research work has a continue applicability in industry and for control authorities. New accredited testing services that providing useful information about the chemicals and their impact on the environmental were introduced. In addition, the ecotoxicology studies and their challenges were a great source for professional training like PhD and master studies and for impact published papers.

Hydrogen peroxide vapour is an effective replacement for Formaldehyde in a BSL4 Foot and mouth disease vaccine manufacturing facility.

An evaluation of the efficacy of 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) against two strains of FMDV was conducted over a period of 6months. FMDV biological indicators were produced on-site using strains obtained from a commercial FMDV vaccine manufacturing process. FMDV biological indicators were distributed within a BSL4 laboratory and exposed to short duration hydrogen peroxide cycles. Variations in titre, support matrix (soiling), temperature and humidity were evaluated in a series of 16 exposures using over 200 individual FMDV indicators. Additional verification testing was performed in an operational material transfer lock to replicate real-world use. HPV was found to be efficacious in inactivating FMDV strains; the inoculum titre influenced the level of reduction achieved with the specified cycle. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The classification of formaldehyde as a presumed human carcinogen has presented regulatory challenges for its continued use as a biocidal product. Institutions are actively seeking fumigants to replace formaldehyde and undertaking studies to validate biocidal efficacy, particularly in high-level biosafety facilities where the consequences of pathogen release can be extremely severe. This study builds on the already substantial scientific efficacy base of 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the applicability of hydrogen peroxide vapour as a replacement for formaldehyde within a Foot & Mouth Disease (FMDV) vaccine manufacturing facility.

Combining detergent/disinfectant with microfibre material provides a better control of microbial contaminants on surfaces than the use of water alone

The use of microfibre cloths with either water, detergent or disinfectant is currently recommended for hospital cleaning. This study explored the efficacy of a microfibre cloth with either water or detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products using the ASTM2967-15 standard against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Clostridium difficile spores. The use of detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products had a significantly (analysis of variance (ANOVA), P<0.001) better activity than water alone in reducing bacteria and spores' viability, and in reducing the transfer microorganisms between surfaces. The use of water alone with a microfibre cloth is less effective and should not replace the use of biocidal products.

QSAR modeling of Daphnia magna and fish toxicities of biocides using 2D descriptors

In the recent years, ecotoxicological hazard potential of biocidal products has been receiving increasing attention in the industries and regulatory agencies. Biocides/pesticides are currently one of the most studied groups of compounds, and their registration cannot be done without the empirical toxicity information. In view of limited experimental data available for these compounds, we have developed Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models for the toxicity of biocides to fish and Daphnia magna following principles of QSAR modeling recommended by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). The models were developed using simple and interpretable 2D descriptors and validated using stringent tests. Both models showed encouraging statistical quality in terms of determination coefficient R2 (0.800 and 0.648), cross-validated leave-one-out Q2 (0.760 and 0.602) and predictive R2pred or Q2ext (0.875 and 0.817) for fish (nTraining = 66, nTest = 22) and Daphnia magna (nTraining = 100, nTest = 33) toxicity datasets, respectively. These models should be applicable for data gap filling in case of new or untested biocidal compounds falling within the applicability domain of the models. In general, the models indicate that the toxicity increases with lipophilicity and decreases with polarity, branching and unsaturation. We have also developed interspecies toxicity models for biocides using the daphnia and fish toxicity data and used the models for data gap filling.

A mathematical approach for the analysis of data obtained from the monitoring of biocides leached from treated materials exposed to outdoor conditions

Leaching processes are responsible for the release of biocides from treated materials into the environment. Adequate modeling of emission processes is required in order to predict emission values in the framework of the risk assessment of biocidal products intended for long-term service life. Regression approaches have been applied to data obtained from the long-term monitoring of biocide emissions in experiments involving semi-field conditions. Due to the complex interaction of different underlying mechanisms such as water and biocide diffusion and desorption, however, these attempts have proven to be of limited usefulness – at least, for the available biocide emission data. It seems that the behavior of the biocide emission curve depends to a considerable extent on whichever underlying mechanism is slowest at a given point in time, thus limiting the amount of biocide available for release. Building on results obtained in the past few years, the authors propose a criterion for determining which mechanism controls the leaching process at a given point in time based on the slope of the log-log emission curve. In addition, a first-order approximation of this slope value is presented which displays advantages both in terms of computability and interpretability. Finally, an algorithm for the determination of breakpoints in the slope of the log-log emission curve is presented for the demarcation of phases within which one mechanism acts as a limiting factor.

The removal of pharmaceuticals during wastewater treatment: Can it be predicted accurately?

The presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the environment is of growing concern and effluents from wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) are one of the major sources. This research combines the outputs of a multimillion pound UK program of work to evaluate the fate of APIs in the wastewater treatment process. A combination of analysis of measured data and modelling has been applied to 18 APIs, representing a wide range of medicinal application and physico-chemical characteristics. Some isomers (for atorvastatin) and metabolites (for sertraline, carbamazepine and erythromycin) were also included. High variability was observed between removal rates for individual APIs between WwTW, which after statistical analysis could not be explained by the nominal WwTW process (e.g. activated sludge or trickling filter). Nor was there a clear relationship between API removal and physico-chemical parameters such as pKa, charge or log Kow. A publically available sewage process model, SimpleTreat 4.0 which has been rigorously validated and is now being used for exposure assessment with REACH legislation for organic chemicals and within the Biocidal Products Regulation by the European Medicines Agency for APIs, was used to estimate removal rates with which to compare with measured data. SimpleTreat provided estimates of removal rates within ±30% of observed values for the majority of the APIs measured, with the use of readily available WwTW specific parameters such as flow, total suspended solids and BOD data. The data and correlations provided in this study provide support for any future considerations regarding the management of API discharge to the aquatic environment.

Tracking and Detection of Bactericidal Quantum Dots

Zinkicide is a bactericidal nanoparticle that combats Citrus Greening with exceptional field efficacy. Bactericidal nanoparticle detection is important for surpassing EPA criteria and bringing biocide products to market; however quantitative analysis on Zinkicide degradation in particular is currently lacking. Here, we have developed a protocol using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) to monitor and track bactericidal nanoparticles in varying solutions, including water and acidic buffer mimicking citrus pH. The nanoparticle detection was performed using UV fluorescent imaging of polyacrylamide gels. This assay is a cost‐effective and relatively simple approach for detecting and quantifying the intensity, concentration, and molecular weight change of nanoparticles. We observed intensity fluctuations of Zinkicide over time, indicating that the capping agent of the nanoparticle may be affected. Our results show that citric acid buffer induces the greatest degradation of Zinkicide evidenced by molecular weight changes. These findings are beneficial for general tracking and detection of bactericidal quantum dots.Support or Funding InformationThe authors would like thank the Kang Lab members for their continued support and assistance. This study was supported by the UCF start‐up fund (Kang). Authors acknowledge the UCF Materials Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture Center for facilities and technical support.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Artificial dry surface biofilm models for testing the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection.

Dry surface biofilms (DSB) harbouring pathogens are widespread in healthcare settings, are difficult to detect and are resistant to cleaning and disinfection interventions. Here, we describe a practical test protocol to palliate the lack of standard efficacy test methods for DSB. Staphylococcus aureus DSB were produced over a 12-day period, grown with or without the presence of organic matter, and their composition and viability were evaluated. Disinfectant treatment was conducted with a modified ASTM2967-15 test and reduction in viability, transferability and biofilm regrowth post-treatment weremeasured. Dry surface biofilms produced over a 12-day period had a similar carbohydrates, proteins and DNA content, regardless of the presence or absence of organic matter. The combination of sodium hypochlorite (1000ppm) and a microfiber cloth was only effective against DSB in the absence of organic load. With the increasing concerns of the uncontrolled presence of DSB in healthcare settings, the development of effective intervention model in the presence of organic load is appropriate for the testing of biocidal products, while the use of three parameters, log10 reduction, transferability and regrowth, provides an accurate and practical measurement of product efficacy. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The widespread presence of biofilms on dry surfaces in healthcare settings has been recently documented. These dry surface biofilms (DSB) present an unprecedented challenge to cleaning and disinfection processes. Here, we describe a practical efficacy protocol based on an invitro Staphylococcus aureus DSB model. The protocol measures reduction in viability, transferability and biofilm regrowth post-treatment to provide altogether a practical assessment of product efficacy against dry surface biofilms.

On the uses of predictive toxicology to approve the use of engineered nanomaterials as biocidal active substances under the Biocidal Products Regulation

To date only two engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been approved to be used as biocidal active substances in the formulation of biocidal products under product type 18 (insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods). Such materials are silicon dioxide (as a nanomaterial formed by aggregates and agglomerates) and synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide (nano). The use of non-animal alternative test methods has been foreseen in the Biocides Product Regulation, Regulation (EU) 258/2012 (BPR). Further, the BPR is one of the existing regulations that includes a specific definition of nanomaterials. On the present article, a review is made on the potential uses of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship approach (Nano-QSARs) to be used as a non-testing method for the generation of ecotoxicological data required for the approval of new active substances in the nanometric scale. Relevant challenges are to be faced in the application of computational chemistry but it could meet the needs imposed by the BPR in relation to the use of non-testing methods. However nanospecific adaptations need to be implemented further on ecotoxicological testing so that obtained results are considered a suitable input for models’ building. The BPR, thus, sets the framework for innovative approaches in the regulatory approval of new chemicals that integrate special considerations derived from the chemical nature of ENMs and the application of non-testing methods but, to date, the implementation of such actions is not feasible in practical terms.

Ecotoxicity of Biocides (Chemical Disinfectants) - Lethal and Sublethal Effects on Non-target Organisms

The aim of this paper was to assess de ecotoxicity effects of four biocides, used as chemical disinfectants for swimming pool water treatment, on non-target organisms such as Daphnia magna and Heterocypris incongruens crustaceans. The tests showed a significant difference of sensitivity between species. The biocides, at the recommended disinfection doses, induced a very toxic or toxic effect on Daphnia magna, based on their mortality percentage. On the contrary, the observed ostracods lethal effects were generally less than 50% mortality and no significant growth inhibitions were observed. Overall, the ostracods had a higher tolerance to subacute doses, including disinfection doses of 20 mg/L (potassium mono persulfate), 5 mg/L (sodium dichloroisocyanurate), 8 mg/L (trichloroisocyanuric acid 90%) and 7 mg/L (trichloroisocyanuric acid 87-88%). In the context of a continuous biocides market expansion, the paper highlighted that our research proposed testing methods to obtain fast and accurate ecotoxicity data for a sustainable biocide production / authorization and also for an environmental hazard assessment.

Dermal and Inhalation Exposure of Workers during Control of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) by Spray Applications.

The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (OPM) form stinging hairs, which release an irritant poison. They cause skin and eye irritation and sometimes even breathing difficulties and allergic reactions. OPM is mainly controlled by spraying insecticides. Insecticides applied for protection of human health must be authorized under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) (EU) No 528/2012. In order to assess safety of professional use, which is a key requirement for the authorization, a risk assessment based on exposure estimation has to be performed. However, no exposure data specific for OPM control was available until now. Existing models for agricultural spray applications such as Agricultural Operator Exposure Model cover different spray patterns and equipment and were therefore considered too unreliable for assessment of OPM control. We have studied dermal and inhalation exposure of certified pest control operators resulting from spraying DimilinTM 80 WG suspensions with vehicle-mounted spraying (VMS) and with handheld spraying (HHS) devices for control of OPM. Exposure resulting from these applications, from weighing and portioning of the granular product and from cleaning of contaminated spraying devices was studied. Dermal exposure was investigated by whole body dosimetry using disposable chemical protective coveralls and cotton gloves as samplers. Inhalation exposure was measured using personal air samplers. The active substance diflubenzuron was quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with positive chemical ionization and by high-performance liquid chromatography for dermal and inhalation measurements, respectively. The exposure was dominated by the dermal pathway. HHS results in considerably higher operator exposure than VMS. Comparison with data from typical agricultural spraying applications revealed that OPM control results in much higher exposure of operators for both, vehicle-mounted and handheld equipment. Comprehensive data on potential dermal and inhalation exposure is presented in this article, along with typical figures for handled and applied amounts of product and respective task durations. This data is suitable for risk assessments in regulatory frameworks such as the European BPR.

Additives for Efficient Biodegradable Antifouling Paints.

The evolution of regulations concerning biocidal products aims to increase protection of the environment (e.g., EU Regulation No 528/2012) and requires the development of new non-toxic anti-fouling (AF) systems. The development of these formulations implies the use of ingredients (polymers, active substances, additives) that are devoid of toxicity towards marine environments. In this context, the use of erodable antifouling paints based on biodegradable polymer and authorized biocides responds to this problem. However, the efficiency of paints could be improved by the use of specific additives. For this purpose, three additives acting as surface modifiers were studied (Tween 80, Span 85 and PEG-silane). Their effects on parameters involved in antifouling efficiency as hydrophobicity, hydration and copper release were studied. Results showed that the addition of 3% of additives modulated hydrophobicity and hydration without an increase of copper release and significantly reduced microfouling development. Efficient paints based on biodegradable polymer and with no organic biocide could be obtained by mixing copper thiocyanate and additives.

The Paramount Importance of Technical Equivalence Assessment for Active Substances in Crop Protection and Biocidal Products

This article outlines the importance of assessing the technical equivalence regarding the chemical composition and hazard profile for different new sources of an active substance compared to the reference source of the same active substance used for the initial risk assessement. The legal provisions of past directives and two current regulations as last amended, Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 concerning the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, are addressed in detail. Moreover, the harmonised procedures for assessing technical equivalence of different sources, based on the information presented in different supporting guidelines, are portrayed and discussed. Following the presentation of all legal provisions, a two-tiered approach as proposed for assessing the equivalence of different sources of active substances is presented in detail.

The Authorisation Scheme for Biocidal Products in Switzerland

The Authorisation Scheme for Biocidal Products in Switzerland

Преимущества использования коллоидного серебра в зубной пасте

Благодаря уникальным свойствам серебра в настоящее время во всем мире возрос интерес к разработкам и применению серебросодержащих препаратов. При переходе серебра в наноформу его специфические свойства значительно усиливаются. Наночастицы серебра оказываются в несколько раз более активными, чем другие его формы и известные антибиотические и биоцидные препараты. В данной статье представлены экспериментальные данные по изучению влияния препарата коллоидного серебра на микроорганизмы. Испытуемый препарат серебра охарактеризован с помощью метода просвечивающей электронной микроскопии. На основе разработанной рецептуры с применением коллоидного серебра, были проведены клинические испытания зубной пасты.