Angela Sacchi

SPEAR indicates pesticide effects in streams - Comparative use of species- and family-level biomonitoring data

To detect effects of pesticides on non-target freshwater organisms the Species at risk (SPEAR(pesticides)) bioindicator based on biological traits was previously developed and successfully validated over different biogeographical regions of Europe using species-level data on stream invertebrates. Since many freshwater biomonitoring programmes have family-level taxonomic resolution we tested the applicability of SPEAR(pesticides) with family-level biomonitoring data to indicate pesticide effects in streams (i.e. insecticide toxicity of pesticides). The study showed that the explanatory power of the family-level SPEAR(fm)(pesticides) is not significantly lower than the species-level index. The results suggest that the family-level SPEAR(fm)(pesticides) is a sensitive, cost-effective, and potentially European-wide bioindicator of pesticide contamination in flowing waters. Class boundaries for SPEAR(pesticides) according to EU Water Framework Directive are defined to contribute to the assessment of ecological status of water bodies.

Physiological effects of temperature and a herbicide mixture on the soft‐shell clam Mya arenaria (Mollusca, Bivalvia)

The aim of the current study was to investigate effects of temperature and a mixture of herbicides on the physiological status of the bivalve Mya arenaria. Bivalves acclimated to two temperatures (7 and 18°C) were exposed for 28 d to 0.01 mg/L of a pesticide formulation containing dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (mecoprop), and 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba). At days 7, 14, and 28, mortality, immune parameters (hemocyte number, phagocytic activity, and efficiency), biomarkers of oxidative stress (catalase [CAT] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] activities and malondialdehyde [MDA] content), the metabolic enzyme cytochrome C oxidase (CCO), a biomarker of pesticide exposure (acetylcholinesterase [AChE]), and the activity of an enzyme related to gametogenesis (aspartate transcarbamylase [ATCase]) were monitored in clam tissues. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (CF), and sex were also assessed. In clams acclimated to 7°C, exposure to pesticide enhanced CCO activity and CF and decreased MDA content, hemocyte number, CAT, and SOD activities. In clams kept at 18°C, pesticide effects appeared minor compared with samples kept at 7°C. In bivalves acclimated to 18°C, CCO, SOD, and ATCase activity and MDA content were enhanced, and hemocyte number, CAT, and AchE activities and phagocytosis were suppressed. In samples exposed to pesticides, increased temperature enhanced MDA content and CCO and SOD activity and suppressed hemocyte number and CAT and AchE activity. A gradual sexual maturation was observed in both sexes through experimental time, but females had a higher sensitivity to temperature and pesticides compared to males. Increased temperature altered the ability of the sentinel species Mya arenaria to respond to pesticide exposures. Further work is needed to understand the impacts of increasing temperature on the whole St. Lawrence estuary ecosystem.

Biomonitoring study of an estuarine coastal ecosystem, the Sacca di Goro lagoon, using Ruditapes philippinarum (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

Coastal lagoons are constantly subjected to releases of chemical pollutants, and so organisms may be exposed to such toxicants. This study investigated through a multivariate approach the physiological status of bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum, farmed in Sacca di Goro lagoon. Biomarkers at different levels of biological organization (catalase, superoxide dismutase, genotoxicity, reburrowing behavior) were evaluated at three sites exposed to different environmental conditions. A seasonal trend was observed, and micronucleus frequency was significantly lowest at the relatively pristine reference site. Enzymatic activity toward oxyradicals be quite efficient since variations in responsiveness were not consistent. However, behavioral impairment was observed in reburrowing rates. Sediment concentrations showed low PAH levels and high natural levels of trace metals Cr and Ni. DistLM statistical analysis revealed a non-significant relationship between selected biomarkers and xenobiotics. Therefore other potentially toxic compounds in admixture at low doses may be involved in driving differing spatial distribution of physiological impairment.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for the triazole derivative metabolites in light of confirmatory data submitted

Abstract The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessment carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, the United Kingdom, for the pesticide risk assessment for the triazole derivative metabolites are reported. The context of the peer review was that requested by the European Commission following the submission and evaluation of confirmatory data in relation to mammalian toxicology, metabolism and residue data. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of various uses for a number of triazole fungicides. Recommendations are proposed. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Lab to Field Assessment of the Ecotoxicological Impact of Chlorpyrifos, Isoproturon, or Tebuconazole on the Diversity and Composition of the Soil Bacterial Community

Pesticides are intentionally applied to agricultural fields for crop protection. They can harm non-target organisms such as soil microorganisms involved in important ecosystem functions with impacts at the global scale. Within the frame of the pesticide registration process, the ecotoxicological impact of pesticides on soil microorganisms is still based on carbon and nitrogen mineralization tests, despite the availability of more extensive approaches analyzing the abundance, activity or diversity of soil microorganisms. In this study, we used a high-density DNA microarray (PhyloChip) and 16S rDNA amplicon next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the impact of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos (CHL), the phenyl-urea herbicide isoproturon (IPU), or the triazole fungicide tebuconazole (TCZ) on the diversity and composition of the soil bacterial community. To our knowledge, it is the first time that the combination of these approaches are applied to assess the impact of these three pesticides in a lab-to-field experimental design. The PhyloChip analysis revealed that although no significant changes in the composition of the bacterial community were observed in soil microcosms exposed to the pesticides, significant differences in detected operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were observed in the field experiment between pesticide treatments and control for all three tested pesticides after 70 days of exposure. NGS revealed that the bacterial diversity and composition varied over time. This trend was more marked in the microcosm than in the field study. Only slight but significant transient effects of CHL or TCZ were observed in the microcosm and the field study, respectively. IPU was not found to significantly modify the soil bacterial diversity or composition. Our results are in accordance with conclusions of the Environmental Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concluded that these three pesticides may have a low risk toward soil microorganisms.

Peer review of the targeted hazard assessment of the pesticide active substance quinoxyfen

Abstract The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, the United Kingdom, and co‐rapporteur Member State, Austria, for the pesticide active substance quinoxyfen are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of information targeted at the assessment of the potential persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) and persistent organic pollutant (POP) properties of quinoxyfen according to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in these regulatory hazard cut off assessments are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. The concern is identified that quinoxyfen may be considered to exhibit the hazard properties of both a PBT and vPvB substance considering the triggers specified in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.

Modification of a maximum residue level for mepiquat in cotton seeds

Abstract In accordance with the Article 53 of the Regulation (EC) 1107/2009, Greece granted a 120‐day emergency authorisation for the use of mepiquat in cotton following an application by the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food. To accommodate for the use of mepiquat according to the authorised good agricultural practices, Greece submitted an application to set a temporary maximum residue level (tMRL) for the active substance mepiquat in cotton seed in line with Article 16(1) in conjunction with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Greece, as evaluating Member State (EMS), drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. EFSA has assessed the available data and performed a risk assessment as regards the risks to consumers related to the exposure of mepiquat chloride in cotton seed. Several risk management options were derived in response to the request to amend the existing MRL for cotton seed. EFSA did not confirm the need to modify the existing MRLs for animal products as suggested by Greece.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fosetyl‐Al in tree nuts, pome fruit, peach and potato

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Bayer CropScience Europe and Oxon Italia S.p.A. submitted requests to the competent national authority in Spain and Italy, respectively, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl in peach and potato from the intended southern Europe (SEU) uses of fosetyl‐Al. The applicants Adama Agriculture B.V., Fitosanitarios Bajo Riesgo AIE and Almond Board of California submitted each an application to the competent national authority in France to modify the MRLs for fosetyl‐Al in pome fruits, peaches and tree nuts (except coconut) for the intended/authorised uses of the active substance potassium phosphonates. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all the crops under consideration. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fosetyl‐Al and phosphonic acid in plant matrices under consideration. EFSA concluded that the proposed use of fosetyl‐Al on potatoes and the proposed uses of potassium phosphonates on pome fruits and peaches and the authorised use of potassium phosphonates on tree nuts in the United States are unlikely to result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values for phosphonic acid and fosetyl and therefore are unlikely to pose a risk to consumers’ health. However, the risk assessment is considered to be tentative and has to be updated as soon as the approval of the renewal of fosetyl and the review of existing uses of potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonate is finalised.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for mandestrobin in apricots, cherries, peaches/nectarines and plums

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe S.A.S. submitted a request to the competent national authority in France, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance mandestrobin in apricots, cherries, peaches/nectarines and plums. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for apricots, cherries, peaches/nectarines and plums. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of mandestrobin in the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. A short‐term dietary risk assessment was not required. Based on the long‐term risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of mandestrobin according to the agricultural practices reported in the good agricultural practice (GAP) for applications at growth stages BBCH 77–87 is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The GAP for applications at growth stages BBCH 57–69 is not adequately supported by residue trials data. The reliable end points appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for flonicamid in various crops

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Dienstleistungszentrum Ländlicher Raum submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance flonicamid in radishes. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ISK Biosciences Europe N.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance flonicamid in strawberries, cane fruits, other small fruits and berries, lettuces and other salad plants, and pulses (dry beans, lentils, peas, lupins). The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, other small fruits and berries, radishes, lettuces and other salad plants, and pulses (dry beans, lentils, peas and lupins). Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flonicamid on in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of flonicamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.