Upon their release in soil, pesticides interact with microorganisms in various ways (stimulation vs toxicity). Despite the key role of microorganisms for ecosystem services the regulatory assessment of pesticides soil microbial toxicity relies on simple C/N mineralization tests which do not provide a comprehensive assessment. Based on this and in light of methodological advances in soil microbial ecology, a radical revision of the relevant regulatory framework is needed. To address this issue a tiered experimental approach combined with well-standardized methods is proposed for assessing pesticides soil microbial toxicity. Diversity effects are further detected via DNA microarrays or high-throughput sequencing. Key microbial groups identified as sensitive to pesticide exposure could act as indicators in a revised regulatory framework. Parallel determination of pesticide dissipation/metabolism will link exposure with effects. Particular issues that will be presented include: a) toxicity assessment for metabolites and biological pesticides b) the need for temporal assessment of exposure/effects.

Do we need a new regulatory framework for assessing the soil microbial ecotoxicity of pesticides?

248th National Meeting (2014)

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