A freshwater mesocosm study into the effects of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam at multiple trophic levels.

Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide used widely in agriculture to control a broad spectrum of insect pests. To assess potential risks from this compound to non-target aquatic organisms, an outdoor mesocosm study was performed. Mesocosms (1300 L) were treated once with a formulated product with the active substance (a.

The route and rate of thiamethoxam soil degradation in laboratory and outdoor incubated tests, and field studies following seed treatments or spray application.

Background: The route and rate of degradation of thiamethoxam in the laboratory and field was investigated. The effect of dark incubation versus light/dark cycles, seed treatment versus spray, and watering-in for spray application was explored in side-by-side trials.

Results: Geometric mean DT values were 75.