This work gives a clear indication of the levels of neonicotinoids in arable soils after typical use of these compounds as seed dressings in the United Kingdom. There was evidence that imidacloprid was more persistent in the soils studied than clothianidin and thiamethoxam. As clothianidin and thiamethoxam have largely superseded imidacloprid in the United Kingdom, neonicotinoid levels were lower than suggested by predictions based on imidacloprid alone.

No abstract

1 Many pesticides are formulated in organic solvents. An example is amitraz, one of the formamidine group of pesticidal chemicals. As a contingency against the possibility of poisoning cases occurring, the toxicity and pharmacology of amitraz were reviewed in order to recommend medical management procedures. 2 Amitraz has pharmacological activity, including monoamine oxidase inhibition, α-adrenergic agonist activity and it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Extrapolating from acute studies in animals, the likely signs of poisoning in humans may include bradycardia, hypotension, hyperglycaemia, CNS depression, and hypothermia. 3 Despite the presence of amitraz, it appears that the xylene is the more aggressive component in the formulation tested, and treatment for overexposure by the oral route is generally as for xylene ingestion, but the presence of amitraz is an indication for gastric lavage. 4 Few cases of poisoning have occurred and these are presented.

The United Kingdom Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) investigates cases of suspected poisoning of wildlife, honey bees, and companion animals by pesticides. Together with field inquiries and veterinary post-mortem examinations, the analytical procedures presented here provide a comprehensive approach to the investigation of these cases. The paper covers selection of animal tissues for analysis and methods suitable for the analysis of honey bees and for various types of bait. Seven multiresidue methods cover around 130 pesticides, and methods are also described for a further 8 compounds. These methods are currently used on samples submitted to the Scheme in England and Wales.

Neonicotinoid concentrations were below those likely to cause any chronic mortality. The concentrations detected should provide a useful baseline against which the effectiveness of the moratorium in reducing exposure of honeybees can be measured. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.