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Potential Risk to Pollinators from Nanotechnology-Based Pesticides.

TitlePotential Risk to Pollinators from Nanotechnology-Based Pesticides.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsHooven LA, Chakrabarti P, Harper BJ, Sagili RR, Harper SL
JournalMolecules
Volume24
Issue24
Date Published2019 Dec 05
ISSN1420-3049
KeywordsAnimals, Bees, Humans, Nanotechnology, Pesticides, Pollen, Pollination
Abstract

The decline in populations of insect pollinators is a global concern. While multiple factors are implicated, there is uncertainty surrounding the contribution of certain groups of pesticides to losses in wild and managed bees. Nanotechnology-based pesticides (NBPs) are formulations based on multiple particle sizes and types. By packaging active ingredients in engineered particles, NBPs offer many benefits and novel functions, but may also exhibit different properties in the environment when compared with older pesticide formulations. These new properties raise questions about the environmental disposition and fate of NBPs and their exposure to pollinators. Pollinators such as honey bees have evolved structural adaptations to collect pollen, but also inadvertently gather other types of environmental particles which may accumulate in hive materials. Knowledge of the interaction between pollinators, NBPs, and other types of particles is needed to better understand their exposure to pesticides, and essential for characterizing risk from diverse environmental contaminants. The present review discusses the properties, benefits and types of nanotechnology-based pesticides, the propensity of bees to collect such particles and potential impacts on bee pollinators.

DOI10.3390/molecules24244458
Alternate JournalMolecules
PubMed ID31817417
PubMed Central IDPMC6943562
Grant List2013-67021-21181 / / U.S. Department of Agriculture /

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