Hazard identification of imidacloprid to aquatic environment

The insecticide imidacloprid is quite water soluble even at the lowest solubility value reported (510 mg/L) and could potentially leach to groundwater or be transported in runoff. The time required for 50% of the field-applied imidacloprid to dissipate (DT50) can range anywhere from approximately 80 days to 2 years. Assuming typical DT50s of 1 to 2 years, the Canadian PMRA (Pest Management Regulatory Agency) has classified imidacloprid as persistent in soil. Based on the high water solubility of imidacloprid and its persistence, PMRA considers imidacloprid to have ‘high’ leaching potential. The compound is stable to hydrolysis at environmentally relevant pH.

Source: CANADIAN WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES: IMIDACLOPRID - SCIENTIFIC SUPPORTING DOCUMENT, 2007
http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/imidacloprid_ssd_1388.pdf

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