ABSTRACT
The growing concern with the decline of pollinators worldwide is centered on honey bees, due to their wide distribution, economic, and ecological importance. This type of concern remained less evident for stingless bees, which are widely distributed in the Neotropics, until recently. Since exposure to agrochemicals has been identified as one of the potential threats to bees, the present systematic review compiled information from toxicological evaluations in stingless bees in Brazil, home to a considerable portion of the existing species. This systematic review was performed considering species, research institutions, scientific journals, metrics, experimental set ups, and agrochemicals. The first article in this topic was published in 2010. Since then, 93 scientific papers were published, which showed that there are few species of stingless bees used for toxicological evaluations and Brazilian institutions lead these evaluations. Only 1.5% of the stingless bees' species that occur in Brazil were assessed through chronic exposure in the larval stage. The Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) is responsible for 37% of the total publications. The main route of exposure was acute, using adults in laboratory conditions. The main group of agrochemicals studied were insecticides, in particular the neonicotinoids. The current results reveal the advances achieved and point out the gaps that still need to be filled considering toxicological evaluations in stingless bees.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals , Bees/drug effects , Animals , Brazil , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Insecticides/toxicityABSTRACT
A utilização de agrotóxicos ao redor do mundo é elevada, estimada em mais 2 milhões de toneladas e somente o continente americano emprega 1,2 milhão de toneladas de produtos. O Brasil possui na agricultura a sua principal atividade econômica e utilizou em 2021 aproximadamente 700 mil toneladas de agrotóxicos. O tomate é um dos vegetais mais cultivados e consumidos no mundo e o Brasil figura como o 10º maior produtor. O consumo anual médio de tomate do brasileiro é de 4,2 kg, é um vegetal nutritivo e com propriedades associadas à prevenção de câncer. O tomate é uma das culturas com maior uso de agrotóxicos e durante o período desse estudo, era autorizado o uso de 123 agrotóxicos. Os resíduos desses produtos nos alimentos podem acarretar em diversos problemas à saúde, mesmo em curta exposição (< 24h). Desse modo, uma das maneiras de garantir a segurança alimentar da população é a realização da avaliação de risco de contaminação dietética. No processo de validação 73 ingredientes ativos respeitaram os critérios do protocolo adotado. Para a realização da estimativa de risco de exposição dietética aguda, foram coletadas 30 amostras de tomate in natura e 11 de tomate pelado, entre setembro de 2021 e março de 2022. Para a extração dos compostos de interesse foi utilizado o método QuEChERS e para avaliação dos resíduos, a cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas. Das amostras de tomate in natura, somente seis (20 %) estavam isentas dos compostos pesquisados; 18 (60 %) apresentaram resíduo(s) abaixo do limite (LMR) estabelecido e seis amostras (20 %) foram consideradas impróprias ao consumo. Das amostras de tomate pelado, três estavam isentas dos agrotóxicos pesquisados e oito (72 %) apresentaram resíduo de carbendazim abaixo do LMR. Nenhuma das amostras mostrou potencial de contaminação aguda por agrotóxicos, apesar disso não é possível afirmar que não há risco, pois não há como estimar os potenciais efeitos adversos provenientes do consumo de um alimento com múltiplos compostos.
More than 2 million tons of pesticide products are used annually through the world and only the America continent was used 1,2 million tons of these products. The agriculture is the main economic activity in Brazil, this way in 2021 approximately 700 thousand tons of pesticide were applied in its crops. Tomato is one of the most cultivated and consumed vegetables in the world and Brazil is the 10th largest producer. The Brazilian people consumes an average of 4.2 kg of tomatoes by year, it is a nutritious vegetable with anti-cancer properties. Tomato crop is one of the which highest pesticide usages, during this study 123 compounds were permitted for this crop. Pesticide residues in food may causes several health problems, even in short-term exposition (< 24h), thus one of the ways to ensure the food safety to population is performing the dietary contamination risk assessment. In the validation process 73 active ingredients were within the established criteria. To perform the acute risk assessment of dietary exposure, were collected samples of: fresh tomato (30) and whole peeled tomato (11) in between September of 2021 and March of 2022. To extraction of interest substances was used the QuEChERS method and to residue evaluation the liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Of the fresh tomato samples, only six (20 %) were free of searched analytes; 18 (60 %) showed residue(s) bellow the established limits (MRL) and six (20 %) were considered unfit to consumption. Of the whole peeled tomato samples, three were free of searched substances and eight (72 %) showed residue of carbendazim bellow the MRL. None of the samples showed potential for acute contamination by pesticide, however it is not possible to say that there is no risk, as there is no way to estimate the potential adverse effects on health arising from the consumption of a food with several compounds.
Subject(s)
Mass Spectrometry , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Solanum lycopersicum , Risk AssessmentABSTRACT
Agrochemicals used for treating and preventing aquaculture diseases are usually present in combination with other compounds, and the toxicity resulting from their chemical interactions presents an important reason to assess the ecotoxicity of compound mixtures in view to better understanding the joint action of chemicals and avoiding their environmental impacts. In this study, we evaluated the acute aquatic ecotoxicity of several compounds used in Brazilian fish farming (Oxytetracycline [OXT], Trichlorfon [TRC], and BioFish® [BIO]), both individually and in binary and ternary mixtures. Initial test concentrations were prepared according to the recommended concentrations for aquaculture application, and from these, a geometric dilution series was tested on two important fresh water quality indicator species, the microcrustacean Daphnia magna and the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri. At the recommended pond application rate, TRC and BIO applied individually showed toxicity to the tested organisms in terms of the lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC), and D. magna was always more sensitive than A. fischeri. For the two test organisms, the results obtained with the binary mixtures showed that the TRC and BIO mixture was more toxic than TRC and OXT, which in turn was more toxic than OXT and BIO. The toxicity from all agrochemicals in the ternary mixture was more than that of the agrochemical combinations in the binary mixtures. Given the results presented in this study, it is evident that the mode of action and availability of the tested compounds undergo changes that increase toxicity when they are present in combination, and therefore, aquaculture wastewater treatment should be adopted to ensure decontamination of agrochemical residues.
Subject(s)
Oxytetracycline , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Animals , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Brazil , Aquaculture , Oxytetracycline/toxicity , Daphnia , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Aliivibrio fischeriABSTRACT
Resumo Este estudo ecológico teve por objetivo analisar a associação entre a quantidade de comercialização de agrotóxicos e alguns agravos e causas de mortalidade no estado do Paraná no período de 2013 a 2017. Desta forma, realizou-se um comparativo entre as 22 regiões de saúde, identificando a relação entre a taxa de comercialização de agrotóxicos por habitante com as seguintes variáveis: taxa de intoxicações exógenas relacionadas ao trabalho, taxa de intoxicações exógenas por agrotóxicos relacionadas ao trabalho, taxa de tentativas de suicídio e taxas de mortalidade por neoplasias, malformação congênita e suicídio. Para estes três últimos desfechos de saúde, os modelos não lineares selecionados tiveram seus R-quadrado acima de 0,500. A Regional de Saúde de Cascavel se destacou com mais municípios com altas taxas de comercialização de agrotóxicos e desfechos de saúde, ao contrário da Regional de saúde Metropolitana. Observa-se que o perfil dos municípios que têm maiores taxas dos agravos estudados é rural e com produção majoritariamente de soja, milho, trigo, fumo, pastagens e feijão. Dessa forma, ressalta-se a necessidade de rever o modelo agroalimentar convencional e promover políticas públicas rigorosas para controle dos agrotóxicos, além de prevenção de agravos à saúde, fortalecendo os serviços de Vigilância Epidemiológica.
Abstract This ecological study aimed to analyze the association between the amount of pesticide commercialization and some diseases and causes of mortality in the state of Paraná from 2013 to 2017. In this way, a comparison was made between the 22 health regions, identifying the relationship between the rate of commercialization of pesticides per inhabitant with the following variables: rate of exogenous intoxication related to work, rate of exogenous intoxication by pesticides related to work, rate of suicide attempts and mortality rates from neoplasms, congenital malformation and suicide. For these last three health outcomes, the selected nonlinear models had their R-squared above 0.500. The Cascavel Health Region stood out with more municipalities with high rates of pesticide marketing and health outcomes, unlike the Metropolitan Health Region. It is observed that the profile of the municipalities that have the highest rates of the diseases studied is rural and with production mainly of soy, corn, wheat, tobacco, pastures, and beans. Thus, the need to review the conventional agri-food model and promote rigorous public policies to control pesticides, in addition to preventing health problems, strengthening Epidemiological Surveillance services is highlighted.
Subject(s)
Humans , Food Contamination , Rural Areas , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Epidemiologic Surveillance Services , Food Supply , Brazil , Pesticide Industry , AgricultureABSTRACT
Introduction: The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used pesticides in the world. There is evidence that this herbicide can induce deleterious effects in non-target organisms, including impairment of reproduction function. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive effects of the chronic consumption of contaminated feed with 2,4-D in rats using food environmental spraying simulation. Methods: Animals orally exposed received nebulized chow with 2,4-D solution in different concentrations for 180 days: 0 (control - CG), 20.69 (LCG), 34.63 (MCG), or 51.66 ppm day−1 (HCG). Results: Sperm quality was impaired to 2,4-D. The percentage of sperm with progressive movement, number of sperm in the testis and daily sperm production were decreased in all exposed groups to the herbicide compared to CG. Sperm counts in the caput/corpus and cauda epididymis were reduced in MCG and HCG, and sperm transit time was delayed in the epididymis of LCG. There was a negative impact on sperm morphology and plasma membrane integrity in MCG and HCG, respectively. Germ cell exfoliation within the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and epithelial vacuolization in epididymis were found in the HCG. Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the negative impact on male reproductive morphophysiology after chronic exposure to 2,4-D using food nebulization in environmentally relevant concentrations, based on agronomic use of the herbicide. The reproductive injuries identified raise concerns about the impacts of wide population exposure to 2,4-D (AU).
Introdução: O herbicida 2,4- ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) é um dos agrotóxicos mais utilizados no mundo. Há evidências de que este herbicida pode induzir efeitos deletérios em organismos não-alvo, incluindo prejuízo na função reprodutiva. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos reprodutivos do consumo crônico de ração contaminada com 2,4-D em ratos, utilizando simulação de pulverização ambiental de alimentos. Métodos: Animais expostos oralmente receberam ração nebulizada com solução de 2,4-D em diferentes concentrações por 180 dias: 0 (controle - GC), 20,69 (LCG), 34,63 (MCG) ou 51,66 ppm dia−1 (HCG). Resultados: A qualidade espermática foi prejudicada pelo 2,4-D. A porcentagem de espermatozoides com movimento progressivo, número de espermatozoides no testículo e produção diária de espermatozoides foram menores em todos os grupos expostos ao herbicida, quando comparados ao GC. A contagem de espermatozoides na cabeça/corpo e cauda do epidídimo foi reduzida em MCG e HCG, e o tempo de trânsito espermático atrasou no epidídimo em LCG. Houve impacto negativo na morfologia espermática e na integridade da membrana plasmática em MCG e HCG, respectivamente. Esfoliação de células germinativas no lúmen dos túbulos seminíferos e vacuolização epitelial no epidídimo foram encontradas em HCG. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo a descrever o impacto negativo na morfofisiologia reprodutiva masculina após exposição crônica ao 2,4-D, utilizando nebulização de alimentos em concentrações ambientalmente relevantes, com base no uso agronômico do herbicida. As lesões reprodutivas identificadas levantam preocupações sobre os impactos da ampla exposição da população ao 2,4-D (AU).
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Reproduction , Spermatozoa , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Pesticide Exposure , Environmental ExposureABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to carry out a pilot investigation, using a buccal micronucleus cytome assay, with the population of Vila Rural Água Viva (Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brazil), environmentally exposed to agrochemicals. The data shows statistically differences between the control group (not exposed) and the population of Vila Rural regarding the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. There was no significant change between the average relative frequencies of these data whether divided between smokers and non-smokers, or practitioners of physical activities or not. It was also observed that age or time of exposure to agrochemicals did not show a linear relationship with the average relative frequencies of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity data. The work shows the presence of 2,4-D herbicide in water sample of community, then it is hoped that the results will assist in guiding the dangers to health and the environment from exposure to agrochemicals.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals , Occupational Exposure , Humans , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Brazil , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Mouth Mucosa , Micronucleus Tests/methods , DNA Damage , Mutagens/toxicity , WaterABSTRACT
Agriculture is important in the food production sector and, to meet all the food demand of the population, the agricultural sector has modernized, using chemical control in agriculture to control pests, diseases and weeds. The objective of this work was to carry out a literature review on the problems of chemical control in agriculture from an agricultural perspective, in order to demonstrate how chemical control affects the agricultural sector. The present study was developed based on the review of literature and relevant research based on data from the years between 2015 to 2021, using articles and data in Portuguese on academic google, using chemical control problems and the perspective of agriculture with agrochemicals as keywords. To ensure the production of crops, crop management must be carried out correctly, and the control of pests, diseases and weeds that affect crops, for this, one of the methods used today is chemical control. With the use of chemical control, it made it possible for agriculture to achieve large productions with the benefits provided by its use in the control of pests, diseases and weeds, but it brought with it some problems in its use, whether in the social, environmental and social spheres. Due to the problems caused by the large use of agrochemicals and the search for sustainable rural development, other alternative methods are adopted in agriculture, such as biological and cultural control, which has brought many benefits, one of which is the reduction of the use of chemical control. In agriculture, reducing costs and helping to maintain the sustainability of the entire agricultural production sector. In this way, the inadequate use of chemical control has brought and brings problems, such as contamination and intoxication in the environment and to human beings, in addition to problems related to resistance to pests, diseases and weeds, making their control more expensive, requiring the adoption of other methods. Control methods, such as cultural control and biological control, which have in themselves more sustainable characteristics, thus reducing the use of agrochemicals in agriculture and reducing the problems caused by their use.
A agricultura é importante no setor de produção de alimentos e, para atender a toda a demanda de alimentos da população, o setor agrícola se modernizou, utilizando do controle químico na agricultura para o controle de pragas, doenças e plantas daninhas. O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre os problemas do controle químico na agricultura por uma perspectiva da agricultura, visando demonstrar como o controle químico afeta o setor agrícola. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com base na revisão de literatura e pesquisas relevantes com base nos dados dos anos entre 2015 a 2021, utilizando-se de artigos e dados em português no google acadêmico, usando problemas do controle químico e perspectiva do da agricultura com agroquímicos como palavras-chave. Para garantir a produção das lavouras, o manejo da lavoura deve ser realizado de forma correta, e o controle de pragas, doenças e ervas daninhas que afetam as lavouras, para isso, um dos métodos utilizados hoje é o controle químico. Com ouso do controle químico, possibilitou que a agricultura alcançasse grandes produções com os benefícios proporcionados pelo seu uso no controle de pragas, doenças e infestantes, porém trouxe consigo alguns problemas no seu uso, seja no âmbito social, ambiental e no social. Devido aos problemas causados pelo grande uso de agroquímicos e a busca pelo desenvolvimento rural sustentável, outros métodos alternativos, são adotados na agricultura, como o controle biológico e cultural, que trouxe muitos benefícios, um deles é a redução do uso de controle químico. Na agricultura, reduzindo custos e ajudando a manter a sustentabilidade de todo o setor de produção agrícola. Desse modo, o uso inadequado do controle químico trouxe e traz problemas, como contaminações e intoxicações no ambiente e ao ser humano, além de problemas relacionados a resistência de pragas, doenças e plantas daninhas tornando mais oneroso seu controle, sendo necessário a adoção de outros métodos de controle, como o controle cultural e o controle biológico, que possuem em si, características mais sustentáveis, reduzindo dessa forma, o uso dos agroquímicos na agricultura e reduzindo os problemas causados por sua utilização.
Subject(s)
Pest Control/methods , Agrochemicals/analysis , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Organic Agriculture/methods , 24444ABSTRACT
The purpose of this article is to contribute to the understanding and visibility of conflicts and disputes over the use of agrochemicals in the provinces of Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero and Salta, in Argentina. Secondary information sources were gathered and systematized to perform a first contextual analysis of regulatory frameworks, public policies and the emergence of social construction processes related to environmental and health risks. This analysis revolved around three dimensions: a regulatory dimension, a political-institutional dimension, and a territorial-health dimension. In all three jurisdictions, there are specific laws that govern the use of agrochemicals and certain institutionalization intended to implement, control and monitor them. However, similarly to what has happened at the regional and international levels, the study revealed multiple conflict situations and/or events that call environmental and health impacts into question. Agrochemical use policy is shattered into multiple regulations, institutions and levels of competence, a framework in which health and environmental policies are left behind. Despite some progress, there is no official recognition of the health and environmental damage caused by the use of agrochemicals.
El objetivo del artículo es contribuir a la comprensión y visibilización de los conflictos y controversias en torno al uso de agroquímicos en las provincias de Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero y Salta, Argentina. Se relevaron y sistematizaron fuentes de información secundaria, con el fin de llevar adelante un primer análisis contextual de los marcos regulatorios, las políticas públicas y la emergencia de procesos de construcción social de los riesgos ambientales y sanitarios. El análisis fue organizado en torno a tres dimensiones: normativa, político-institucional y territorial-sanitaria. En las tres jurisdicciones existen leyes específicas que regulan el uso de agroquímicos y cierta institucionalidad destinada a su implementación, control y monitoreo. No obstante, y en concordancia con lo ocurrido a nivel regional e internacional, el estudio relevó una multiplicidad de situaciones y/o eventos conflictivos que problematizan los impactos ambientales y sanitarios. La política relativa a la utilización de agroquímicos está fragmentada en múltiples regulaciones, instituciones y escalas de competencias, marco dentro del cual la política sanitaria y ambiental poseen un lugar rezagado. Más allá de ciertos avances, no hay reconocimiento oficial del daño a la salud y el ambiente generado por el uso de agroquímicos.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Argentina , HumansABSTRACT
Resumen El objetivo del artículo es contribuir a la comprensión y visibilización de los conflictos y controversias en torno al uso de agroquímicos en las provincias de Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero y Salta, Argentina. Se relevaron y sistematizaron fuentes de información secundaria, con el fin de llevar adelante un primer análisis contextual de los marcos regulatorios, las políticas públicas y la emergencia de procesos de construcción social de los riesgos ambientales y sanitarios. El análisis fue organizado en torno a tres dimensiones: normativa, político-institucional y territorial-sanitaria. En las tres jurisdicciones existen leyes específicas que regulan el uso de agroquímicos y cierta institucionalidad destinada a su implementación, control y monitoreo. No obstante, y en concordancia con lo ocurrido a nivel regional e internacional, el estudio relevó una multiplicidad de situaciones y/o eventos conflictivos que problematizan los impactos ambientales y sanitarios. La política relativa a la utilización de agroquímicos está fragmentada en múltiples regulaciones, instituciones y escalas de competencias, marco dentro del cual la política sanitaria y ambiental poseen un lugar rezagado. Más allá de ciertos avances, no hay reconocimiento oficial del daño a la salud y el ambiente generado por el uso de agroquímicos.
Abstract The purpose of this article is to contribute to the understanding and visibility of conflicts and disputes over the use of agrochemicals in the provinces of Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero and Salta, in Argentina. Secondary information sources were gathered and systematized to perform a first contextual analysis of regulatory frameworks, public policies and the emergence of social construction processes related to environmental and health risks. This analysis revolved around three dimensions: a regulatory dimension, a political-institutional dimension, and a territorial-health dimension. In all three jurisdictions, there are specific laws that govern the use of agrochemicals and certain institutionalization intended to implement, control and monitor them. However, similarly to what has happened at the regional and international levels, the study revealed multiple conflict situations and/or events that call environmental and health impacts into question. Agrochemical use policy is shattered into multiple regulations, institutions and levels of competence, a framework in which health and environmental policies are left behind. Despite some progress, there is no official recognition of the health and environmental damage caused by the use of agrochemicals.
Subject(s)
Humans , Agrochemicals/toxicity , ArgentinaABSTRACT
In this sense the objective of assessing the levels of pesticide poisoning in rural farmers of San Sebastian and take AL, using acetylcholinesterase enzymes Erythrocyte and plasma as biological indicator of intoxication. This is a prospective, transversal and descriptive variables analyzed were: year whose, sex, age group, education, location, condition, route of exposure. The data were acquired by collecting blood samples and socio demographic information of farmers. Was put as the determining factor the type of conventional and organic farming, and periods of drought and rainy. 56 volunteers were analyzed. The analyses were performed in the automatic biochemical Analyzer Cobas Integra 400 plus®. According to the results of the analyses, it was the largest number of individuals with reduced values of cholinesterase, specifically the Group of conventional farming, the period of greatest change index was in the rainy season, where the activity of AChE, expressive values presented in the city of São Sebastião, with 80% result of intoxicated, in the city of the foot take, 21.73% over the same period. On analysis of the AChP, São Sebastião has obtained the highest number of contaminated with 18.75% and 30% respectively, in the District Take Foot stood between 10 and 21.73% of reduced levels of cholinesterase. This sets the organic system of cultivation, as the best alternative for prevention of future diseases, in addition to bringing quality of life for rural workers, as well as for consumers.(AU)
Nesse sentido objetivou-se avaliar os níveis de intoxicação por agrotóxicos em agricultores rurais de São Sebastião e Pé Leve - AL, utilizando as enzimas acetilcolinesterase Eritrocitária e Plasmática, como indicador biológico de intoxicação. Trata - se de um estudo prospectivo, transversal e descritivo cujas variáveis analisadas foram: ano, sexo, faixa etária, escolaridade, local, circunstância, via de exposição. Os dados foram adquiridos através da coleta das amostras de sangue e das informações sócio demográficas dos agricultores. Foi posto como fator determinante o tipo de cultivo convencional e orgânico, e os períodos de estiagem e chuvoso. Foram analisados 56 voluntários. As análises foram realizadas no analisador automático de bioquímica Cobas Integra® 400 plus. De acordo com os resultados das análises, percebeu-se maior número de indivíduos com valores diminuídos da colinesterase, especificamente no grupo de cultivo convencional, o período de maior índice de alteração foi na época chuvosa, onde a atividade da AChE, apresentou valores expressivos na cidade de São Sebastião, com resultado de 80% de intoxicados, na cidade do Pé Leve, obteve-se 21,73% no mesmo período. Na análise da AChP, São Sebastião obteve maior número de contaminados com 18,75% e 30% respectivamente, já no Distrito Pé Leve ficou entre 10 e 21,73% de níveis diminuídos da colinesterase. Isso define o sistema orgânico de cultivo, como a melhor alternativa para prevenção de futuras patologias, além de trazer qualidade de vida para os trabalhadores rurais, como também para os consumidores.(AU)
Subject(s)
Cholinesterase Inhibitors , Pesticides/toxicity , Agrochemicals/toxicity , FarmersABSTRACT
Stingless bees such as Partamona helleri Friese play important roles in pollination of native plants and agricultural crops in the Neotropics. Global concerns about declining bee populations due to agrochemical pollutants have, however, been biased towards the honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus. Here, we analysed the unintended effects of commercial formulations of a neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, and a fungicide mixture of thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil on color preference, respiration rates and group locomotory activities of both P. helleri and A. mellifera. Our results revealed that P. helleri foragers that were not exposed to pesticides changed their color preference during the course of a year. By contrast, we found that pesticide exposure altered the color preference of stingless bees in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, imidacloprid decreased the overall locomotion of both bee species, whereas the fungicide mixture increased locomotion of only stingless bees. The fungicide mixture also reduced respiration rates of forager bees of both species. Forager bees of both species altered their color preference, but not their locomotory and respiration rates, when exposed to commercial formulations of each fungicidal mixture component (i.e., chlorothalonil and thiophanate-methyl). Our findings emphasize the importance of P. helleri as a model for Neotropical wild pollinator species in pesticide risk assessments, and also the critical importance of including groups of agrochemicals that are often considered to have minimal impact on pollinators, such as fungicides.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals , Insecticides , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Animals , Bees , Insecticides/toxicity , Locomotion , Pollination , Respiratory RateABSTRACT
The management of agrochemicals in Brazilian agriculture impacts global environmental sustainability and food security, since this country is one of the major agro-food exporters in the world. Acephate, carbendazim, and dithiocarbamates (DTCs) such as mancozeb, are among the most detected agrochemicals in Brazilian agro-food products, occurring in combination in several crops, especially in fruit cultures. The present study evaluated the impact of the exposure to isolated agrochemicals and all the combined possible mixtures (binary and ternary forms) on the reproductive parameters of male juvenile rats, known to be a vulnerable biological system and developmental window. Data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models (GzLM), considering each agrochemical as an independent factor. The study revealed higher reproductive toxicity exerted by isolated agrochemicals when compared to the combined treatments, which exhibited mostly an antagonistic effect. Results suggest endocrine disruptive effects of each one separately on the weight of reproductive organs and testicular histomorphometry, besides changes in testicular SOD activity. The full factorial experimental design employed here allowed us to conclude that it is not possible to scale-up the effects of the isolated treatments to the mixtures, showing how difficult it is to know beforehand the response and cross-talk among the multiple physiological mechanisms disturbed by complex mixtures. Considering that food products are shared on a global scale and that some of these three agrochemicals have already been prohibited in EU countries, the consumption of some Brazilian products puts global human health at risk, that of children.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals/toxicity , Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity , Animals , Brazil , Complex Mixtures , Linear Models , Male , Rats , Toxicity TestsABSTRACT
The widespread use of agrochemicals results in the exposure of the general human population, including children, to several of these chemicals simultaneously. In the present preclinical study, it was investigated the hepatic damages caused by exposure to acephate, carbendazim and mancozeb when administered alone or in different combinations (binary and ternary). Juvenile male Wistar rats were exposed to agrochemicals from post-natal day 53, by gavage. The doses of agrochemicals applied here were determined from previous studies whose results showed no signs of systemic toxicity. All exposures provoked a significant increase in DNA damage (except for acephate alone) and activation of the xenobiotic biotransformation system (except for the ternary mixture). Interestingly, the ternary mixture did not exhibit an exacerbation in adverse effects caused by agrochemicals isolated or in binary combination, even though they are sharing genotoxicity damage induction as a common toxicity pathway. Conversely, some effects observed for isolated or binary combinations of agrochemicals were not observed for ternary combination, suggesting a chemical interaction that could imply antagonism character. Using a multivariate data analysis approach, exposure to isolated agrochemicals were related to a group of adverse effects characterized by hepatic lesion and the attempt of the tissue to mobilize defense cells and increase mitotic rates to minimize damages. Binary mixtures also share similarities in relation to the effects they exhibited, mainly a moderate to high increase in the GST activity and in histopathological alterations suggesting that binary combinations trigger an increased response of the mechanism of xenobiotics biotransformation. Together, obtained results bring important insights regarding adverse effects and possible interaction of the three agrochemicals whose residues are commonly detected in agro-food products.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals/toxicity , Data Analysis , Inflammation Mediators/metabolism , Liver/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Sexual Maturation/drug effects , Animals , Liver/chemistry , Male , Multivariate Analysis , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Sexual Maturation/physiologyABSTRACT
Agricultural expansion and intensification has led globally to a rapid landscape structure change and high agrochemical use resulting in habitat loss and degraded environmental quality. Co-occurrence of landscape change and agrochemical contamination threatens biodiversity and might have interactive effects especially for organisms with complex life-cycles such as amphibians. We evaluated effects of landscape structure and agrochemical contamination at different spatial scales on anurans in Entre Rios, Argentina. We selected 35 independent stream headwaters along an agricultural expansion and intensification gradient. We conducted anuran call surveys from spring 2012 to summer 2013 and obtained detection-non detection data to estimate mean richness and focal species occupancy. We quantified forest area and riparian forest width at two spatial scales (sub-basin and local reach scale). We measured nutrients and pesticides in water and sediment. We evaluated anuran response to landscape and contamination variables using GLMs for richness and single season single-species occupancy models for focal species. Anuran diversity increased with forest area and riparian forest width, and decreased at sites with herbicide and nutrient contamination, particularly glyphosate; 2,4-D and nitrates. Also, most focal frog species responded mainly to basin forest and 2,4-D. Negative effects of agrochemical contamination on anuran diversity was mitigated in areas with larger basin forest cover. Agricultural management should ensure the reduction of herbicide and fertilizer use, the sparing of adequate forested habitat within drainage areas, and preservation of riparian forests around anuran breeding habitat to reduce and mitigate the negative effects of agrochemical contamination on anurans diversity in agroecosystems.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals , Forests , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Animals , Anura , Argentina , Biodiversity , EcosystemABSTRACT
Agriculture in the 21st century faces multiple challenges to produce food for the growing population using ethical/sustainable and efficient methods safely for humans and the environment. Brazil today is a world leader in terms of production of food of plant origin, both for human consumption and animal feed. Agriculture and livestock raising are critical economic activities in maintaining a positive balance in its economy. As a consequence, the registration and use of pesticides in Brazil have grown at an accelerated rate. This work shows the current situation in Brazil in terms of the prevailing laws about the registration of pesticides, with a focus on the toxicological aspects related to human health. The regulatory aspects of registration of pesticides in Brazil, the mandatory testing for evaluating pesticide toxicity, adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, and recent progress toward nonanimal methods to toxicity evaluation were explored in this work. In this field, Brazil has advanced and there are opportunities and challenges. There is still much to be done and investments to be made so that Brazil can definitively consolidate its conduct within the context of a Modern Regulatory Toxicology, which has entered the 21st century.
Subject(s)
Agriculture , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Pesticides , Animals , Brazil , HumansABSTRACT
Agricultural pesticides represent a significant class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to which non-target organisms around the world are constantly exposed. Laboratory studies have found strong evidence showing the endocrine-disruptive potential of these pesticides at environmentally relevant exposure levels. Since the field of endocrine disruption continues to grow in richness and complexity, this review aims to provide an update on the effects of two agricultural pesticides that act as EDCs: atrazine and endosulfan. We will focus mainly on the effects on crocodilians due to their worldwide occurrence in tropical and sub-tropical wetland ecosystems and their ecological and physiological features, which render them vulnerable to exposure to pesticides with endocrine-disrupting action at all life stages. The results here reviewed provide important insights into the effects of hormonally active agricultural pesticides at cellular, tissue, and organ levels in the reproductive system of crocodiles. A better understanding of the effects of exposure to environmentally relevant doses of EDCs on the reproductive system of crocodilians will contribute to protect and improve the health of both wildlife species and humans.
Subject(s)
Alligators and Crocodiles , Genitalia/drug effects , Pesticides/pharmacology , Sentinel Species , Agrochemicals/pharmacology , Agrochemicals/toxicity , Alligators and Crocodiles/physiology , Animals , Animals, Wild , Aquatic Organisms/drug effects , Endocrine Disruptors/pharmacology , Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity , Endocrine System/drug effects , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Genitalia/physiology , Humans , Pesticides/toxicityABSTRACT
Agrochemicals or pesticides are compounds widely used to prevent, destroy or mitigate pests such as insects, rodents, herbs and weeds. However, most of them also act as environmental estrogens, anti-estrogens and/or antiandrogenic chemicals. In addition, both herbicides (such as glyphosate and paraquat) and insecticides (such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, neonicotinoids and rotenone) have been shown to exert significant adverse effects on hippocampal neurogenesis. These effects are particularly important because neurogenesis dysregulation could be associated with cognitive decline and neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on the most commonly used agrochemicals in Argentina and their effects on the hippocampal neurogenesis of mammals. It also discusses the disruption of hormone synthesis and action as a possible mechanism through which these chemical compounds could alter the brain functions. Finally, we propose some lines of research to study the potential endocrine mechanisms involved in the effects of agrochemicals on human health and biodiversity.
Subject(s)
Agrochemicals/toxicity , Neurogenesis/drug effects , Animals , Endocrine System/drug effects , Herbicides/toxicity , Humans , Insecticides/toxicity , Pesticides/toxicityABSTRACT
Considering the successful employment of alternative methods for eye toxicity assessment of products for regulatory purposes, and the recent advances in Brazilian legislative scenario, which adopted the UN GHS classification system for agrochemical formulations toxicity assessment, there is an emerging demand for strategies that allow the evaluation of such products. Based on this, the present study aimed to address the applicability of a mechanistic-based defined approach for eye toxicity assessment of agrochemical formulations. It was investigated the opacity/permeability, depth and location of corneal injury in bovine cornea, and vascular events in chorioallantoic membrane induced for different Brazilian agrochemicals using a Sequential Testing Strategy (STS). Cytotoxicity induced by the agrochemical formulations was evaluated by Short Time exposure (STE) (OECD TG 491) assay (step 1), corneal injury was investigated by standard Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) (OECD TG 437) followed by histopathological evaluation (step 2), and Hen Chorionic-allantoic Membrane test (HET-CAM) was used to evaluate vascular injury (step 3). The results demonstrated that the proposed defined approach enabled a classification corresponding UN GHS classification of agrochemical formulations while minimizing the use of live animals. Therefore, this approach may be useful for categorization of agrochemicals in Brazil according to the new regulatory scenario.