Nanopesticides could offer a range of benefits including increased efficacy, durability and a reduction in the amounts of active ingredients that need to be applied to a system. A range of nanomaterials types have been suggested for use in pesticide formulations, including nanoemulsions, nanocapsules and products containing pristine engineered nanoparticles, such as metals, metal oxides and nanoclays. However, the fate and behaviour of nanopesticides in the environment could be very different from the fate of traditional pesticide formulations. This could mean that existing approaches for assessing the fate and behaviour and exposure of pesticide active ingredients, as part of the environmental risk assessment process, may not be appropriate for nanopesticides. In this presentation, we will present the conclusions of an IUPAC funded workshop that discussed whether existing testing and modelling approaches are appropriate for use on nanopesticides and which developed recommendations on how existing approaches could be adapted to deal with nanopesticides. During the presentation, we will discuss challenges (and potential solutions) relating to: the analysis of nanopesticides in soils, water and biota; the assessment of mobility and persistence; modelling of movement to surface waters and groundwaters; and assessment of uptake into organisms.

Exposure assessment of nanopesticides: What are the challenges?

248th National Meeting (2014)

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