Dimethoate-induced toxicity: a comprehensive review of its aquatic environmental hazards

Dimethoate, an organophosphate insecticide, was initially developed in 1962 for broad-spectrum management of a variety of insects such as mites, aphids, flies, and plant hoppers. It suppresses the acetylcholinesterase activity, resulting in nerve damage and death of that organism. Many organisms are observed to be harmed by dimethoate. Among them, aquatic organisms are highly affected due to their exposure to the pesticide by run-off. As a result of this, it might show oxidative stress, neurotoxic effects, and behavioural anomalies. Many of these aquatic organisms are part of the staple diet of humans. Thus, the accumulated pesticide residues in these organisms enter the human body. It also might enter human body through the groundwater (used as drinking water) where the residues were also obtained due to leaching. In this review, we emphasised the toxic effects of dimethoate on various aquatic organisms and humans. It also highlights the various methods by which dimethoate is degraded.