Abstract (eng)
With regards to environmental risk assessment, the impact of three polymer-based pesticide nanoformulations on (1) the aqueous photodegradation rate and (2) the sorption behavior of the active ingredient (AI) clothianidin were investigated, in comparison with a commercially available formulation (Com) and the AI-solution. Clothianidin, a neonicotinoid, was analyzed by HPLC with UV-Vis detection. Test-solution concentrations (in deionized H2O and PowerPhos liquid fertilizer solutions) were based on maximum realistic application rates on crops in foliar spray (photodegradation) and in-furrow while seeding (sorption).
Photodegradation rates were determined using a xenon arc lamp. In H2O, additional concentrations below and above clothianidin solubility were tested. Degradation rates decreased with increasing concentrations and an AI protection by nanoformulations emerged at concentrations exceeding clothianidin solubility. This was in line with the solubility-dependent release of clothianidin from the nanocarriers. PowerPhos addition did not enhance this nano-effect, but strongly reduced degradation of all formulations and the AI due to shading.
Sorption coefficients were determined for sand and loam using a batch-equilibrium method and a centrifugation method, with a more realistic soil:solution ratio. Sorption behavior was dominated by the soil type and, in line with the immediate release of clothianidin at concentration below solubility, no overarching nano-effect could be shown. Also PowerPhos addition did not enhance nano-effects. However, single nanoformulations exhibited slightly stronger sorption than Com/AI in the batch method. In the centrifugation method, aggregates and fertilizer impacts masked any nano-effects.
The results underline that the impact of nanoformulations on the environmental fate depends on the AI-release behavior.