Neonicotinoid Contamination in the Aquatic Ecosystems—What We Know?

Concerns have been raised regarding the adverse effects of neonicotinoids on non-target organisms and ecosystems due to their widespread use as systemic insecticides. Aquatic environments are primarily contaminated with neonicotinoids by surface runoff from agricultural fields and urban areas and leaching from treated soils. These insecticides can persist in water bodies for longer period, resulting in chronic exposure for aquatic organisms. In aquatic environment, sediment accumulation and bioaccumulation further exacerbate their ability to disrupt ecological equilibrium. Several studies have found that neonicotinoids pose a significant risk to aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans and insects, which play a critical role in food webs. Moreover, neonicotinoids can negatively affect the growth, reproduction, and overall population dynamics of vertebrates, including fish and amphibians. Hence, the present chapter reports the adverse impacts of neonicotinoids on aquatic ecosystems. In addition, various approaches to mitigate neonicotinoid contamination in aquatic habitats have also been discussed.