Simple preparation of nitenpyram-intercalated clay nanosheets with reduced leaching risk and improved safety to insect pollinators

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 479; p. 135715
• Main Authors: He, Chengshuai, Liu, Jiao, Cheng, Jikang, Yu, Zhe, Zhang, Hui, Gu, Aiguo, Yang, Song, Gao, Yunhao, Gao, Congfen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 05.11.2024
• Subjects: Aluminum Silicates - chemistry; Aluminum Silicates - toxicity; Animals; Bee toxicity; Bees - drug effects; Clay - chemistry; Hydroxides - chemistry; Hydroxides - toxicity; Insecticides - chemistry; Insecticides - toxicity; Layered double hydroxide; Leaching potential; Nanostructures - chemistry; Nanostructures - toxicity; Neonicotinoids; Neonicotinoids - chemistry; Neonicotinoids - toxicity; Photolysis; Pollination - drug effects; Soil Pollutants - chemistry; Soil Pollutants - toxicity; Neonicotinoids; Bee toxicity; Layered double hydroxide; Leaching potential
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135715

Neonicotinoids, highly toxic to insects, are among the world's most used insecticides. However, their harmful effects on pollinators like honeybees and potential to contaminate water bodies have drawn significant criticism. Herein, a nanopesticide, NTP@LDH, was developed by intercalating the model neonicotinoid insecticide nitenpyram (NTP) within layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials using a simple one-pot method. The NTP@LDH showed a nano-sized sheet structure, with an average particle size of 206.2 nm and a loading capacity of 14.6 %. The release rate of NTP@LDH under acidic conditions was higher than that under alkaline or neutral conditions. The photodegradation capacity and insecticidal activity of NTP were unaffected by intercalation in LDH. Importantly, NTP@LDH could significantly enhance the foliar adhesive properties of NTP, retard its leaching through the soil, and improve its safety for honeybees. Moreover, LDH was safe for crops and can improve their growth. This work provides a promising strategy with a simple procedure that could reduce leaching risks of neonicotinoids while concurrently enhancing their safety to pollinating creatures. [Display omitted] •Neonicotinoid-intercalated LDH (NTP@LDH) was prepared by a facile one-pot method.•NTP@LDH showed high foliar adhesion efficiency.•NTP@LDH showed satisfactory biological activity to Nilaparvata lugens.•NTP@LDH could reduce the leaching risk of NTP.•NTP@LDH improved safety to honeybees.