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 been found increasingly 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 pesticides (NEOs) in China’s waterways has revealed growing concerns over their environmental and public health impacts. The study, led by Professor Jia-Qian Jiang from Glasgow Caledonian University along with Shaoqing Zhang from Inner Mongolia University, offers an in-depth analysis of NEOs’ occurrence and distribution, highlighting significant ecological risks. The findings were published in the journal Environments.
Neonicotinoids, widely used as systemic insecticides in agriculture, horticulture, and households, have been increasingly adopted as replacements for more harmful pesticides. However, their presence in the environment, particularly in water systems, has raised significant concerns due to their potential adverse effects on non-target organisms, including aquatic invertebrates and possibly even humans.
Professor Jiang’s review covers monitoring efforts in major water bodies across China, such as Taihu Lake, Pearl River, Yangtze River, Songhua River, and Liao River. These areas have been prioritized due to their economic significance and environmental sensitivity. The study found that NEOs’ concentrations in these regions varied, with some areas showing particularly high contamination.
Discussing the significance of these findings, Professor Jiang noted, “The increased presence of NEOs in waterways has drawn significant attention and concern due to the resulting threats to ecosystems and public health.” This sentiment underscores the urgency of addressing the contamination and implementing regulatory measures.
The review also notes that NEOs are found in other environmental media, including indoor dust, food products like vegetables and grains, 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 NEOs’ impact 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, yet contamination from NEOs is still considered to lack sufficient attention and concern.”
In conclusion, the study by Professor Jiang and Dr Zhang provides crucial insights into the environmental and health implications of neonicotinoid pesticides in China’s waterways. The researchers urge immediate action to mitigate these risks, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring, regulation, and public awareness. As the global community grapples with the challenges of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, studies like this underscore the need for a balanced approach that protects both human and ecological health.
Journal Reference
Zhang, S., & Jiang, J.-Q. (2023). “Occurrence and Distribution of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Chinese Waterways: A Review.” Environments, 10, 206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120206
About the Authors
Professor Jiang has been active in the field of water and environmental science research for over three decades. His main interests and expertise lie in developing and applying novel water treatment chemicals, applying and modifying unit processes in water treatment, degrading emerging micro-pollutants, and recovering nutrients from wastewater.
As a principal investigator and PhD supervisor, he effectively leads his team in initiating, conducting, and successfully completing numerous research projects sponsored by the UK EPSRC, EU Research Council, and industries in the UK, Scotland, and internationally. His research outputs have made a significant impact on research communities, as evidenced by data from Web of Science (Clarivate) and Scopus Author (Elsevier). Recent impact data for a single year (citations in 2022, from Scopus 1-Oct-2023) have acknowledged him as a highly cited scientist, ranking in the top 2% in the fields of environmental science and chemical engineering. These statistics are updated in science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators, available in Elsevier Data Repository (V6, doi: 10.17632/btchxktzyw.6).
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/staff/jiaqianjiang
Dr Shaoqing Zhang is a lecturer in the School of Ecology and Environment at Inner Mongolia University. His interests and expertise are centred on applying novel water purification agents in water treatment, including improving the biodegradation potential of industrial wastewater and degrading micropollutants. Dr Shaoqing Zhang recently also participated in research on monitoring surface water.
Dr Shaoqing Zhang was awarded his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Master’s degree in Environmental Analytical Geochemistry at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, and he was awarded his full-funded PhD degree in water processing study at the Glasgow Caledonian University. With over ten years of experience studying abroad, Dr Shaoqing Zhang is highly motivated by and open to international interaction and collaboration, both in research-wise and culture-wise His academic profile and publications can be accessed via ORCID record https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4288-0187.
