Environmental release, environmental concentrations, and ecological risk of N,N‐Diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET)

Abstract

N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide's (DEET) commercial use as an insect repellent and other reported uses are reviewed. Evidence that DEET is reaching the environment mainly from consumer use of DEET-containing insect repellent includes studies reporting higher concentrations of DEET in surface water and wastewater samples during the summer months, the presence of DEET in on-site septic tank effluent at concentrations similar to that reported in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent, and changes in WWTP effluent concentrations before and after the introduction of a DEET replacement in Germany. Its detected concentrations in influent and effluent of WWTP and surface water worldwide are reviewed and correlations between DEET usage and wastewater effluent concentrations are analyzed. The removability during wastewater treatment is also evaluated. A correlation between commercial DEET use in a metropolitan area and concentrations in WWTP effluents was assessed, and 2 different models were used to predict DEET concentrations in rivers and streams throughout the United States. Ecological toxicity data are reviewed for acute studies and for chronic values that are available for Daphnia magna and algae. The ecological risk of DEET usage is evaluated by examining the relationship of the expected dose/response to observed concentrations.

Triclosan as a surrogate for household biocides: An investigation into biocides in aquatic environments of a highly urbanized region

“…DEET showed relatively high fluxes at rural sites S11 and S8. This can be explained by high application of insect repellents to livestock in the rural area (Aronson et al, 2012;Cheng et al, 2006). The fluxes of all biocides at the lower reach sites S7 (Danshui River) and M7 0 (Shima River), where the flux of M7 0 means the effective flux (30% of the original flux) from Shima River to Dongjiang River, were significantly higher than those at the corresponding upper reach sites S2 and M2 (Fig.…”

“…The fluxes of DEET and methylparaben were significantly higher in the wet season (p < 0.01). This could be attributed to the increased usages of DEET (active ingredient in insect repellent) and methylparaben (preservative in sunscreen) in summer (Aronson et al, 2012;Eriksson et al, 2008). No significant seasonal variations (p > 0.01) for all biocides in the sediments of Dongjiang River basin were observed, implying the relative stability of the biocides in the sediments (Miller et al, 2008).…”

“…As to carbendazim in household sewage, it may originate partially from the chemical residue in fruits and vegetables (Akiyama et al, 2011;Jardim and Caldas, 2012). In addition to domestic sewage source, DEET (insect repellent), and two parabens (preservatives) have other contribution sources such as agricultural wastewater source (e.g., livestock) and industrial wastewater source (e.g., food processing) (Aronson et al, 2012;Eriksson et al, 2008).…”

“…Thus, it is essential to understand their fate and risks in the environment. Various biocides have been detected in STP effluents, surface water and sediment (Aronson et al, 2012;Zhao et al, 2010). For example, the maximum reported levels in STP effluents were 443 ng/L for climbazole, 3700 ng/L for N,Ndiethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), 112 ng/L for methylparaben, 2700 ng/L for triclosan and 342 ng/L for triclocarban (Blanco et al, 2009;Lee and Rasmussen, 2006;McAvoy et al, 2002;Wick et al, 2010;Zhao et al, 2010).…”

Assessment of the Occurrence and Potential Effects of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in South Florida Waters and Sediments

“…The reason for the high detection frequency is that the treatment processes in and algae (9.65 mg/L) (Aronson et al, 2012 concentrations were hundreds of times higher than the detected concentrations.…”