Environmental risk assessment by fipronil and imidacloprid insecticides in river shrimp (Cryphiops caementarius)

Fipronil and imidacloprid currently represent approximately one third of the global insecticide market. In the present study, the environmental risk (ERA) of fipronil and imidacloprid in the postlarvae of the river shrimp (Cryphiops caementarius, Molina 1782) was evaluated. Short-term toxicity bioassays were performed based on LC₅₀ (mean lethal concentration) (mortality) and EC₅₀ (mean effective concentration) (swimming hypoactivity). PNEC (Predicted Concentration with No Known Effect) and available environmental standards for PEC (Expected Environmental Concentration) were calculated for fipronil and imidacloprid to determine risk quotient (RQ). Imidacloprid was more at risk for the aquatic environment than fipronil for the lethal response (mortality) and sublethal response (swimming hypoactivity). The observed risk difference between the two insecticides could be due to their different modes of action. C. caementarius should be considered as a sensitive species when defining an environmental quality standard for the conservation of the aquatic environment. Therefore, it is recommended to continue monitoring the presence of these insecticides in coastal freshwater bodies, and to reduce the use of fipronil and imidacloprid in the agricultural crops that use them.