1
|
Robinson RFA, Mills GA, Grabic R, Bořík A, Fones GR. Quantification and risk assessment of polar organic contaminants in two chalk streams in Hampshire, UK using the Chemcatcher passive sampler. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 939:173316. [PMID: 38782290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Freshwater systems are facing a number of pressures due to the inputs of polar organic contaminants from a range of sources including agriculture, domestic and industry. The River Itchen and River Test are two sensitive chalk streams in Southern England that are experiencing a decline in invertebrate communities. We used Chemcatcher passive samplers to measure time-weighted average concentrations (14 days) of polar pollutants at nine sites on the River Itchen and eight sites on the River Test over a 12-month period. Sampler extracts were analysed using a targeted LC/MS method. In total, 121 plant protection products and pharmaceutical and personal care products were quantified (range of log Kow from - 1.5 to 7). Concentrations (sub ng L-1 to >500 ng L-1) in both rivers showed spatial and temporal variations. A greater number of compounds and higher concentrations were found in the River Test. The chemical profile was dominated by inputs from wastewater treatment plants and legacy plant protection products. On the River Itchen, high concentrations (∼100 ng L-1) of caffeine were observed directly downstream of a fish farm. Using the NORMAN database, the predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) freshwater values were exceeded by only five contaminants (2-hydroxy-terbuthylazine, alprazolam, azithromycin, diclofenac and imidacloprid). In addition, venlafaxine was detected above its EU Watch List concentration. These exceedances were mainly downstream of direct inputs from treatment plants. These compounds are known to have ecotoxicological effects on a range of aquatic biota including macroinvertebrates. Of concern is the ubiquitous presence of the ectoparasiticide imidacloprid, highlighting the need to control its use. The impact of the cocktail of pollutants found in this study on the long-term effects on chalk stream ecosystems remains unknown and needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosamund F A Robinson
- School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, UK
| | - Graham A Mills
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Roman Grabic
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, CZ-389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Bořík
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, CZ-389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Gary R Fones
- School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pelletier J, Bouchard C, Aenishaenslin C, Dibernardo A, Dimitri Masson G, Fernandez-Prada C, Gagnon S, Victoria Ibarra Meneses A, Lindsay R, Ogden N, Rocheleau JP, Leighton P. The effect of fluralaner treatment of small mammals on the endemic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi in a natural environment. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:tjae091. [PMID: 39119633 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Among approaches aimed at reducing Lyme disease risk in the environment, those targeting reservoirs of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson are promising because they have the potential to reduce both the density of questing Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidea) ticks and the prevalence of B. burgdorferi in the tick population. In this 4-yr field study, we treated a population of wild small mammals with 2 densities of fluralaner baits and investigated the effect of the treatment on 3 parameters of the endemic cycle of B. burgdorferi: (i) the prevalence of infected Peromyscus mice (PIM), (ii) the density of questing nymphs (DON), and (iii) the prevalence of infected questing nymphs (NIP). We demonstrated that fluralaner baiting is effective at reducing tick infestation of Peromyscus mice, the main reservoir of B. burgdorferi in central and northeastern North America, in the laboratory and the field. Results from this study showed a significant decrease in B. burgdorferi infection in mice (odds ratio: 0.37 [CI95: 0.17 to 0.83]). A reduction in the DON between 45.4% [CI95: 22.4 to 61.6] and 62.7% [CI95: 45.9 to 74.2] occurred in treated area when compared with control areas. No significant effect was reported on the NIP. These results confirm the hypothesis that fluralaner baits have an effect on B. burgdorferi endemic cycle, with the potential to reduce the density of B. burgdorferi-infected ticks in the environment. Further studies performed in various habitats and public health intervention contexts are needed to refine and operationalize this approach for reducing Lyme disease risk in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Pelletier
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Bouchard
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Public Health Risk Science Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Cecile Aenishaenslin
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Antonia Dibernardo
- One Health division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Dimitri Masson
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherché sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Simon Gagnon
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherché sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Ana Victoria Ibarra Meneses
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherché sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Robbin Lindsay
- One Health division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nicholas Ogden
- Public Health Risk Science Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Rocheleau
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Département de santé animale, Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fox MW. Antiparasitic products and the gut microbiome. Vet Rec 2024; 195:115. [PMID: 39092700 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
|
4
|
Atkinson PJ, Stevenson M, O'Handley R, Nielsen T, Caraguel CGB. Temperature-bounded development of Dirofilaria immitis larvae restricts the geographical distribution and seasonality of its transmission: case study and decision support system for canine heartworm management in Australia. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:311-319. [PMID: 38447815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of canine heartworm disease. We used the established heartworm development unit (HDU) principle to map the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of D. immitis in Australia using historical weather data from 2013-2022. We found weather conditions suitable for EIP completion showed substantial seasonality and geographical variability. Whilst a considerable percentage of the Australian territory showed suitable weather conditions to always support EIP completion (17%), only 2.7% of the 2021 Australian human population lived in this region. Therefore, 97% of the population lived in an area that changed its EIP suitability within the study period. EIP completion is required prior to D. immitis transmission, meaning that infection risk of D. immitis is seasonal and location-dependent, being disrupted each year for most of the human population's dogs. We developed an online, open access tool allowing us to visualise EIP completion across Australia historically and in near real-time. We aim to support veterinarians to make risk-based recommendations for dirofilariosis prevention by using the tool, available at https://heartworm-mapping.adelaide.edu.au/shiny/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Atkinson
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5371, Australia.
| | - Mark Stevenson
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Torben Nielsen
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Charles G B Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Perkins R, Barron L, Glauser G, Whitehead M, Woodward G, Goulson D. Down-the-drain pathways for fipronil and imidacloprid applied as spot-on parasiticides to dogs: Estimating aquatic pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170175. [PMID: 38244617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Fipronil and imidacloprid have been widely detected in UK surface waters in recent years, often at concentrations that ecotoxicological studies have shown can harm aquatic life. Down-the-drain (DTD) passage of pet flea and tick treatments are being implicated as an important source, with many of the UK's 22 million cats and dogs receiving routine, year-round preventative doses containing these parasiticides. The UK Water Industry's 3rd Chemical Investigation Programme (UKWIR CIP3) has confirmed wastewater as a major entry pathway for these chemicals into surface waters, but the routes by which they enter the wastewater system remain unclear. We addressed this knowledge gap by conducting the first quantification of DTD emissions from 98 dogs treated with spot-on ectoparasiticides containing fipronil or imidacloprid, through bathing, bed washing and washing of owners' hands. Both chemicals were detected in 100 % of washoff samples, with bathing accounting for the largest emissions per event (up to 16.8 % of applied imidacloprid and 24.5 % of applied fipronil). Modelled to account for the frequency of emitting activities, owner handwashing was identified as the largest source of DTD emissions from the population overall, with handwash emissions occurring for at least 28 days following product application and an estimated 4.9 % of imidacloprid and 3.1 % of fipronil applied in dog spot-ons passing down-the-drain via this route. The normalised daily per capita emissions for all routes combined were 8.7 μg/person/day for imidacloprid and 2.1 μg/person/day for fipronil, equivalent to 20-40 % of the daily per capita load in wastewater, as estimated from UKWIR CIP3 data. Within the current international regulatory framework adhered to by the UK, the environmental exposure of veterinary medicines intended for use in small companion animals is assumed to be low, and DTD pathways are not considered. We recommend a systematic review of regulations and practices to address this overlooked pollution pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Perkins
- University of Sussex, School of Life Sciences, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.
| | - Leon Barron
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Gaëtan Glauser
- Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Av. de Bellevaux 51, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Whitehead
- Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5SY, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Woodward
- The Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Goulson
- University of Sussex, School of Life Sciences, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harper M, Rytwinski T, Cooke SJ. Patterns and Pitfalls of Short-cuts Used in Environmental Management Rapid Reviews. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:457-469. [PMID: 37922103 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental managers and policy-makers need reliable evidence to make effective decisions. Systematic reviews are one way to provide this information but are time-consuming and may not meet the needs of decision-makers when faced with rapidly changing management requirements or transient policy-windows. Rapid reviews are one type of knowledge synthesis that follow simplified or truncated methods compared to systematic reviews. Rapid reviews on environmentally-relevant topics are growing in prevalence, but it is unclear if rapid reviews use similar short-cuts or follow available guidelines. In this methodological review, we assess 26 rapid reviews published between 2002 and 2023. Numerous rapid review short-cuts and approaches were identified, with few consistencies among studies. Short-cuts were present in all stages of the review process, with some of the most common short-cuts including not developing an a priori review protocol, not including stakeholder involvement, or not conducting critical appraisal of study validity. Poor quality in reporting of methods was observed. Fewer than half of assessed rapid reviews reported using available guidelines when developing their methods. Future rapid reviews should aim for improved reporting and adherence to published guidelines to help increase the useability and evidence-user confidence. This will also enable readers to understand where short-cuts were made and their potential consequences for the conclusions of the review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Harper
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Trina Rytwinski
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Higham LE, Halfacree ZJ, Stonehewer J, Black DH, Ravetz G, Moran D, Boden L, Oxtoby C. Sustainability policies and practices at veterinary centres in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Vet Rec 2023; 193:e2998. [PMID: 37227247 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinary professionals operate at the human-animal-environment interface and are concerned about sustainability issues. This study examined the extent to which sustainability is represented in policy and enacted in veterinary practice settings, as reported by practice representatives. METHODS An online survey was completed by 392 veterinary centre representatives in the UK and Republic of Ireland to identify existing policies and practices around the environmental impacts of veterinary services and animal husbandry, responsible medicine use, animal welfare and social wellbeing. RESULTS A minority of respondents were aware of an environmental policy at their practice (17%, 68/392). Many others were undertaking waste reduction initiatives, but wider environmental interventions were infrequently reported. The majority were aware of medicine stewardship and animal welfare policies or guidelines, but a minority reported social wellbeing policies (40%, 117/289) and the provision of advice to clients on the environmental impacts of animal husbandry (31%, 92/300). LIMITATIONS The bias arising from the small convenience sample of practice representatives and potential discrepancies between the claims of survey respondents and their practices' policies and activities are acknowledged. CONCLUSION Results depict a value-action gap between the concern of veterinary professionals towards sustainability and the policies and practices at their workplaces. Building on progress in the sector, wider adoption of comprehensive policies and practices, with guidance, could enhance veterinary contributions to the sustainability agenda, in particular to mitigate the environmental externalities of veterinary services and animal care and ensure safe, fair and inclusive workplaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Higham
- Vet Sustain, Carlisle, UK
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | | | | | - David H Black
- Vet Sustain, Carlisle, UK
- The Veterinary Defence Society, Knutsford, UK
| | - Gudrun Ravetz
- Vet Sustain, Carlisle, UK
- The Veterinary Defence Society, Knutsford, UK
| | - Dominic Moran
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - Lisa Boden
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Perkins R, Goulson D. To flea or not to flea: survey of UK companion animal ectoparasiticide usage and activities affecting pathways to the environment. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15561. [PMID: 37554336 PMCID: PMC10405796 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the convenience and efficacy of modern ectoparasiticides, routine prophylactic use has become commonplace for dogs and cats. However, the environmental consequences of this large-scale use are not well-understood, and multiple potential pathways for ectoparasiticides to the environment exist. Of particular concern is the potential for topically applied ectoparasiticides to pass to waterways, both down-the-drain via wastewater treatment plants and directly through swimming. In this online cross-sectional survey of 1,009 UK cat and dog owners, we investigated ectoparasiticide usage and the frequency of activities that are likely to result in transfer of the active substance to the environment, with a focus on pathways to waterways. A total of 603 dog owners and 406 cat owners completed the survey. Amongst dog and cat owners, 86.1% and 91.1% had administered an ectoparasiticide treatment to their pet in the preceding 12 months. Imidacloprid was the most frequently administered ectoparasiticide in both cats and dogs, followed by fluralaner in dogs and fipronil in cats. Eighty-four percent of owners who applied topical ectoparasiticides to their dog said they were aware of product warnings regarding swimming and bathing after application. Spot-on treated dogs were reported to swim significantly less frequently than non spot-on treated dogs (p = 0.007); however, 36.2% were reported to swim at least monthly. Similarly, significant differences were found in bathing frequency between spot-on treated and non spot-on treated dogs, with treated dogs less likely to be bathed at frequent (weekly) intervals, however 54.6% were reported to be bathed at least monthly. Washing of bedding was unaffected by ectoparasiticide treatment, and 87.8% of dog owners and 69.1% of cat-owners reported washing their pet's bedding at least every 3 months, suggesting that residue washoff from bedding may be occurring for most topically treated animals. Results suggest that transfer of ectoparasiticides to the environment is likely to occur for many of the millions of animals treated annually in the UK, with imidacloprid spot-on treated dogs estimated to swim, be bathed and have their bedding washed over 3.3 million, 5 million and 6.3 million times per year, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Perkins
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gelaye Y. The status and natural impact of floriculture production in Ethiopia: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9066-9081. [PMID: 36437364 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24279-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ethiopia's floriculture industry is exceedingly emerging, and, currently, it ranks as the sixth largest exporter of roses worldwide and second largest in Africa. Currently, many flowers, such as rose, gypsophila, carnations, and chrysanthemum, are growing. However, floriculture farms are contributing a high level of health risks and environmental problems in Ethiopia. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the status and impacts of floriculture industries in Ethiopia. The floriculture division is an emerging sector in Ethiopia, and the number of farms, income, job opportunities, and diversity of flowers are increasing. However, the health risks and environmental fates of the sector are also increasing. Ethiopian floriculture farms lack waste disposal technologies and workers' protective equipment and safety, and the chemicals, plastics, and corrugated irons used in the farms are carelessly disposed everywhere. Pesticides, plastics, and fertilizers are also freely discharged into water bodies and terrestrial land, which is causing the development of health risks; aquatic life hazards; and soil, water, and air pollution. However, Ethiopia has no strong and functional system or structure to control the impacts of floriculture farms. The government and the farm owners are not thoughtful about the environmental issues, health concerns, and socioeconomic impacts of the wastes. The government lacks regular control and assessment of farms, and the farms are engaging for their profit. Nevertheless, developed countries are currently using both natural and modern technologies to manage floricultural wastes. Ethiopia should therefore suggest manageable possible approaches and sound management strategies based on the findings of the analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Gelaye
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Konestabo HS, Birkemoe T, Leinaas HP, van Gestel CAM, Sengupta S, Borgå K. Pesticide effects on the abundance of springtails and mites in field mesocosms at an agricultural site. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1450-1461. [PMID: 36319919 PMCID: PMC9652236 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The use of pesticides to protect crops often affects non-target organisms vital to ecosystem functioning. A functional soil mesofauna is important for decomposition and nutrient cycling processes in agricultural soils, which generally have low biodiversity. To assess pesticide effects on natural soil communities we enclosed intact soil cores in situ in an agricultural field in 5 cm wide mesocosms. We used two types of mesh lids on the mesocosms, allowing or preventing migration of mesofauna. The mesocosms were exposed to the insecticide imidacloprid (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg dry soil) and left in the field for 20 days. Overall, regardless of lid type, mesocosm enclosure did not affect springtail or mite abundances during the experiment when compared with undisturbed soil. Imidacloprid exposure reduced the abundance of both surface- and soil-living springtails in a concentration-dependent manner, by 65-90% at the two highest concentrations, and 21-23% at 0.1 mg/kg, a concentration found in some agricultural soils after pesticide application. Surface-living springtails were more affected by imidacloprid exposure than soil-living ones. In contrast, neither predatory nor saprotrophic mites showed imidacloprid-dependent changes in abundance, concurring with previous findings indicating that mites are generally less sensitive to neonicotinoids than other soil organisms. The possibility to migrate did not affect the springtail or mite abundance responses to imidacloprid. We show that under realistic exposure concentrations in the field, soil arthropod community composition and abundance can be substantially altered in an organism-dependent manner, thus affecting the soil community diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Sjursen Konestabo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- The Science Library, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tone Birkemoe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|