Neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) are of environmental concern, but little is known about their overall occurrence in surface water. Neonics are commonly used in both agricultural and urban settings. Water samples were collected from nine Iowa streams during the 2013 growing season (March through October), with neonics detected in multiple samples from all sites. Clothianidin (detected in 75% of samples), thiamethoxam (51%), and imidacloprid (24%) were the most frequently detected compounds. Low levels of neonics were detected in samples prior to 2013 seasonal use (March through April), suggesting their persistence in the environment. Detections and concentrations for neonics were highest during the planting season (May through June) and subsequently decreased through the growing season (July through October). Additional samples were collected in 2012-2014 at other sites receiving agricultural runoff and/or municipal wastewater. Clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam were detected at sites affected by agriculture, while imidacloprid dominated samples affected by municipal wastewater.

Neonicotinoid insecticide occurrence in agricultural and urban streams

248th National Meeting (2014)

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