Toxicological impacts of synthetic pyrethroids on non-target aquatic organisms: A review

Abstract

Synthetic pyrethroid (SP) insecticides are used extensively around the world in both agricultural and non-agricultural applications. Their toxicity to mammals is low, however, they have a high toxicity to invertebrates, fish and amphibians, including threatened species, affecting the health of the ecosystems and their biodiversity. This paper reviews the current global research on SP toxicity on non-target aquatic organisms and looks at the current biomonitoring approaches to detect their effects on aquatic ecosystems. Over the past decade, the toxicological effects of SPs on aquatic macroinvertebrates have been documented in laboratory, mesocosm and field studies. Toxicity of SPs for aquatic organisms can vary greatly between species and highlights the importance of assessing toxicity in all major aquatic groups. However, little data exist, and more research is needed on how sediment bound SPs affect less studied aquatic groups like zooplankton, amphibians and fish. Detecting stress caused by toxicants in aquatic ecosystems can indicate how SPs are affecting individual organisms and the community. Development of toxicity thresholds for all aquatic groups like invertebrates, fish and amphibians, should assist in assessing the biological risks of SPs to inform regulations and management actions to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords

• Ecotoxicology
• Benthic invertebrates
• Non-target organisms
• Biomonitoring
• Synthetic pyrethroids