Synthetic Pyrethroids: Toxicity and Biodegradation

Abstract

Synthetic pyrethroids are pesticides derived from naturally occurring pyrethrins, taken from pyrethrum of dried Chrysanthemum flowers. They are chemically designed to be more toxic with lower break down times and are formulated with synergists increasing potency and compromising the body's ability to detoxify the pesticide. Though claimed to be selectively toxic to insects, synthetic pyrethroids are extremely to xic to aquatic organisms, including fish in concentrations similar to those used for controlling mosquito, black fly and tsetse fly larvae, which are the actual targets of pyrethroids. Many pyrethroids have been linked to the disruption of the endocrine system, reproduction and sexual development, interference with the immune system and the induction of breast cancer. The widespread use of pyrethroids is a major problem as they pollute the agricultural lands and water resources and affect non-target organisms and humans. Recent studies show that some microbes are able to degrade synthetic pyrethroids by esterase production and this application is proposed as an inexpensive and simple method. In the present work, the aspects related to the toxicity and biodegradation of synthetic pyrethroids are discussed.

The impact of conventional and organic farming on soil biodiversity conservation: a case study on termites in the long-term farming systems comparison trials in Kenya

“…Despite the use of pesticide in both high input system, termite abundance was always higher in the organic system-before and after the application. However, chemical pesticides can have severe side effects on farmers health or ecosystem functions [42,43]. Bio-pesticides like botanicals or biological control agents could be environmental friendly and low-risk alternatives [44][45][46][47].…”

The need for the application of modern chemical insecticides and environmental consequences of their use: a mini review

“…Many pyrethroids have been linked to the disruption of the endocrine system, reproduction and sexual development, interference with the immune system and the induction of breast cancer. The widespread use of pyrethroids is a major problem as they pollute agricultural lands and water resources and affect non-target organisms and humans (Thatheyus et al 2013).…”

Variability of pesticide residues in eggplant units collected from a field trial and marketplaces in Greece

“…Therefore, this study was undertaken to estimate the variability factors (VFs) of two pyrethroid pesticides (cypermethrin and deltamethrin) in eggplant units grown under real field conditions in northern Greece. Pyrethroid insecticides disrupt the sodium channel in the nerve cells, which leads to the death of a variety of insects . Human exposure to pyrethroids can result in nausea, headache, muscle weakness, excessive salivation, respiratory dysfunction, and seizures .…”

“…Pyrethroid insecticides disrupt the sodium channel in the nerve cells, which leads to the death of a variety of insects. 21 Human exposure to pyrethroids can result in nausea, headache, muscle weakness, excessive salivation, respiratory dysfunction, and seizures. 22 Deltamethrin is one of the most toxic pyrethroids.…”