Neonicotinoid Insecticides in the Qiantang River: Occurrence, Sources, and Ecological Risks for Sustainable Water Resources

Xilong Zhang, Sha Shi, Jianming Jiang, Hui Liu, Wenjun Hong (), Minjie Li, Lianghong Guo, Xinyi Zhou, Cheng Ye, Haigang Wu and Haiwei Luo
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Xilong Zhang: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Sha Shi: Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Jianming Jiang: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Hui Liu: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Wenjun Hong: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Minjie Li: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Lianghong Guo: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Xinyi Zhou: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Cheng Ye: Zhejiang Jiaoke Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 311305, China
Haigang Wu: Zhejiang Jiaoke Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 311305, China
Haiwei Luo: Shanghai Anpu Experimental Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 210609, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) can harm non-target species. This study examines NNIs’ distribution, sources, human exposure risks, and ecological risks in the Qiantang River’s water and sediment. NNIs concentrations ranged from 8.92 to 88.0 ng/L in water and 0.55 to 16.6 ng/g dw in sediment. The concentrations showed a trend of middle reaches > lower reaches > upper reaches. Agricultural activities were the main NNIs source, followed by wastewater treatment plants. Infants had the highest NNIs intake, with a daily intake of 15.4 ng/kg body weight, about 5.4-times higher than adolescents. Using the species sensitivity distribution and relative potency factor, the acute and chronic toxicity thresholds for aquatic organisms were estimated at HC 5 values of 3636 ng/L and 40 ng/L, respectively. Species at lower trophic levels were more sensitive to NNIs. While acute risks to aquatic fauna are low, prolonged exposure poses potential risks to human and ecological health. These findings contribute to the enhancement of the regulatory framework for NNIs and serve as a reference for policymakers in formulating water pollution management strategies, thereby advancing the sustainable development of water resources in the region.

Keywords: neonicotinoid insecticides; pollution source; sediment–water exchange; water quality criteria; risk assessment; water resources sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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