Ecotoxicology and pesticides in tropical aquatic ecosystems of Central America

Abstract

Abstract-Although pesticide use is high in the Central American region, few studies concerning environmental levels and effects of pesticides in aquatic ecosystems have been conducted. In this review 18 studies were identified, most of which deal exclusively with organochlorine residues, but other chemical groups also were studied and found in tropical aquatic ecosystems. Only five studies considered effects of pesticides on aquatic organisms; four of these examined both the presence of pesticides in environmental substrates and field effects. Major research needs include studies on fate and degradation in tropical conditions; acute and chronic toxicity to native species; effects of temperature, humidity, and other characteristics of tropical conditions on toxicity, as well as effects of pesticides on tropical ecosystems.

Direct and indirect effects of the fungicide azoxystrobin in outdoor brackish water microcosms

“…One of the major groups of pesticides, the fungicides, constitutes a chemically very diverse group of compounds used against fungal infection in crops, and is in some regions of the world the quantitatively most important pesticide group (Castillo et al, 1997). In Sweden, fungicides are the second largest group, after herbicides, of pesticides used for crop protection, accounting for about 11% of the amount sold (Swedish Chemicals Agency, 2007).…”

Recovery of Acetylcholinesterase Activity in the Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) After Inhibition by Organophosphate and Carbamate Compounds

“…However, these insecticides used in intensive agricultural production can reach the aquatic environment either via seepage of chemicals from the soil or directly due to the spraying against pests (Castillo et al 1997). These compounds may become concentrated in the organs of aquatic organisms, especially those at the top of the food chain.…”

Poluição das águas por herbicidas utilizados no cultivo do arroz irrigado na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: predição teórica e monitoramento

“…O comportamento dos pesticidas no ambiente deve ser diferente entre condições temperadas e tropicais. Segundo Castillo et al 17 , alguns dados sugerem que as taxas de degradação devem ser mais altas em países tropicais, devido à temperatura mais elevada e à radiação mais intensa.…”