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Pesticide contamination of aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat to humans and can adversely affect fungal-driven processes in these understudied habitats. Here, we investigated the effects of four pesticides on detritus-inhabiting and plant root-associated fungi from streams, peatlands, and saltwater marshes. Additionally, we assessed the isolates' capacities to degrade three carbon sources to understand the impact of pesticides on fungal-driven processes. Pesticide assays were conducted in 96-well glass-coated plates, with fungal growth measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer set to 595 nm. Assays included technical replication (n = 6), replication over time (n = 2), negative controls, and carry-over controls. In total, we assayed more than 153 isolates, representing up to 97 fungal genera. Results showed that 1.9%, 49.7%, 3.1%, and 5.6% of the isolates exhibited consistently lower growth when exposed to atrazine, mancozeb, cypermethrin, and malathion, respectively. Furthermore, 101 isolates, comprising 87 genera, were tested for cellulase, starch degradation, and tannase activity, with 41.6%, 28.7%, and 30.7% of the isolates testing positive, respectively. These findings suggest that while many species demonstrate functional redundancy, some fungal species are sensitive to current environmental pesticide levels, which affects their growth and may have broader implications on ecosystem health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of pesticide residues in soil samples was conducted using UHPLC-MS/MS. Non-dietary health risk assessment was conducted using calculate chronic daily intake (CDI) from ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact pathways and following non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in the adults and adolescent. The rank order of pesticide in soil based on their concentration was malathion (0.082 mg kg−1)> cyproconazole (0.019 mg kg−1)> propargite (0.018 mg kg−1)> butachlor (0.016 mg kg−1) > chlorpyrifos (0.0067 mg kg−1)> diazinon (0.0014 mg kg−1)> imidacloprid (0.0007 mg kg−1). Hazard index (HI) values obtained of exposure to pesticides in soil in adults and adolescent were 0.0012 and 0.0035, respectively. Hence, exposed population are at the acceptable range of non-carcinogenic risk (HI < 1). Cancer risk (CR) values due to propargite in soil via ingestion pathway in adults and adolescent were 2.03E–09 and 2.08E–09, respectively; therefore, carcinogenic risk due to the exposure to pesticide contaminated soil was safe range (CR < 1E–06). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Super-sensitive malathion detection was achieved using a nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor based on a CuO/ZnO-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Due to the high affinity between the Cu element and the sulfur groups in malathion, the developed CuO-ZnO/GCE sensor may bond malathion with ease, inhibiting the redox signal of the Cu element when malathion is present. In addition to significantly increasing the ability of electron transfer, the addition of 3D-flower-like ZnO enhances active sites of the sensor interface for the high affinity of malathion, giving the CuO-ZnO/GCE composite an exceptional level of sensitivity and selectivity. This enzyme-free CuO-ZnO/GCE malathion sensor demonstrates outstanding stability and excellent detection performance under optimal operating conditions with a wide linear range of malathion from 0 to 200 nM and a low detection limit of 1.367 nM. A promising alternative technique for organophosphorus pesticide (OP) determination is offered by the analytical performance of the proposed sensor, and this method can be quickly and sensitively applied to samples that have been contaminated with these pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard" was implemented for water pollutant discharge in China's pesticide industry, which has no control requirements for particular wastewater pollutants in the industry. In the standard, certain pollutants discharge limits are limited strictly or loosely, resulting in practical management implementation difficulties. In view of the highly selective targeting characteristics of organic pesticide active ingredients in fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, a method for deriving discharge limits based on the water quality criteria for pesticides for the protection of nonsensitive species is established based on the idea of fully protecting aquatic organisms beyond sensitive objects. Through the use of malathion as an example, by screening its toxicity data in different species of aquatic organisms, the sequence point with the most significant change in the acute toxicity sensitivity of the species is taken as the variation point in the cumulative frequency of the sensitive and nonsensitive species to derive the water quality criteria, using the species sensitivity distribution method as the scientific basis for determining the discharge limits. After a comparative analysis of different simulation models, the sigmoid model, with the best fit, is selected to determine that the sensitive species hazard concentration (HCs) of malathion to aquatic organisms in China is 46.4 µg/L, and the discharge limit derived from the HCs based on the relationship between the environmental capacity and emissions is rounded to 250 µg/L. Studies showed that the relationship between the emissions limit derived from the water quality criteria for protecting nonsensitive species and malathion limit stipulated in the "Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water" conforms to the corresponding relationship of the quality standard and discharge standard, which can be achieved by current pollution control technology, combined with water quality improvement. The discharge limit offers the advantages of technical accessibility and economic rationality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides registered with the U.S. EPA for mosquito control are called adulticides and are released directly into the atmosphere as aerosols to target flying mosquitos. This adulticide application approach is different from traditional (agricultural) pesticide applications, yet the fate and transport of adulticides in large metropolitan areas is largely unknown. The Houston Metropolitan Area encompasses eight counties, many of which require county-level mosquito control programs that utilize adulticides. Malathion and permethrin are the primary adulticides used by Harris County (HC) in Houston, TX, USA. Houston, like many other metropolitan areas, has an urban atmosphere supporting the oxidation of both gas and particle phase pollutants. During the summer mosquito season of 2016, we collected atmospheric total suspended particulate matter (PM) samples at Jones Forest (JF), located in Montgomery County (directly north of HC) to investigate the atmospheric transport and oxidation of adulticides in an urban atmosphere. Despite HC alternating the adulticide treatment schedule, we measured permethrin, malathion, and malaoxon (oxidation product of malathion), throughout the sampling campaign. These consistent measurements, in conjunction with 12 h backward trajectories, support the conclusion that JF is influenced by other county-level mosquito-control programs and agricultural pesticide use. This cross-county transport may impact adulticide effectiveness by supporting pesticide resistance in mosquito populations due to repeated exposures to pesticides. This study highlights the need for mosquito control collaborations between counties, especially in areas of urban expansion overlapping with agricultural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indiscriminate and rampant use of pesticides has raised serious concerns regarding their toxic impact on non-target organisms which underlines need for the development of an effective antidote. Metabolic activation of organophosphate pesticides by the phase I enzyme, cytochrome P450 plays a key role in influencing pesticide-toxicity. In this study, we have investigated the effect of environmentally relevant malathion concentration (100 μg/L) alone and in combination with vitamin B12 on the expression of genes related to xenobiotic metabolism such as CYP enzymes, PgP and the key oxidative stress responsive transcription factor, Nrf2 in zebra fish liver and brain. Expressions of Nrf2-trasncribed antioxidant genes and their activities were also measured. Administration of vitamin B12 successfully revived motor functions by modulation of AchE activity. Mechanistically, vitamin B12 was demonstrated to alleviate oxidative stress which was accompanied by decreased phase-I enzyme cyp3c1 and increased pgp expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) have extensive applications in agriculture, while their overuse causes inevitable residues in food, soil, and water, ultimately being harmful to human health and even causing diverse dysfunctions. Herein, a novel colorimetric platform was established for quantitative determination of malathion based on peroxidase mimic AuPt alloy decorated on CeO2 nanorods (CeO2@AuPt NRs). The synthesized nanozyme oxidized colorless 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2. Besides, the oxidized TMB was inversely reduced by ascorbic acid (AA), which were originated from hydrolysis of L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate (AA2P) with the assistance of acid phosphatase (ACP). Based upon this observation ACP analysis was explored by colorimetry, showing a wid linear range of 0.2 ~ 3.5 U L−1 and a low limit of detection (LOD = 0.085 U L−1, S/N = 3). Furthermore, malathion present in the colorimetric system inhibited the activity of ACP and simultaneously affected the generation of AA, in turn promoting the recovery of the chromogenic reaction. Based on this, the LOD was decreased to 1.5 nM (S/N = 3) for the assay of malathion with a wide linear range of 6 ~ 100 nM. This simple colorimetric platform provides some informative guidelines for determination of other pesticides and disease markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline of insect pollinators is a significant concern within the current biodiversity crisis. The paradox between the benefits that these animals represent to humans and the evidence of human activities driving their extinction calls for the urgent protection of bees. To address the role of chemical pollution in this scenario, we assessed the acute toxicity as well as four biomarker responses (cholinesterase [ChE], glutathione S‐transferase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation [LPO]) elicited by dietary 24‐h exposure to three insecticides (malathion, imidacloprid, and fipronil) on the stingless neotropical bee Tetragonisca angustula and the honeybee Apis mellifera. Malathion was the most toxic substance to both species, with 48‐h median lethal doses (LD50s) of 0.25 ng/bee to A. mellifera and 0.02 ng/bee to T. angustula. Fipronil was also highly toxic and presented a similar toxicity to both species, with 48‐h LD50s of 0.5 ng/bee (A. mellifera) and 0.4 ng/bee (T. angustula). Imidacloprid had the lowest acute toxicity with a 48‐h LD50 of 29 ng/bee for A. mellifera, whereas T. angustula tolerated exposure higher than 35 ng/bee. Apparent biomarker responses were observed in bees of both species that survived exposure to higher concentrations of malathion (ChE inhibition) and fipronil (increased LPO). Our results suggest that specific sensitivity to insecticides varies greatly among compounds and pollinator species, but the use of different representative species can facilitate the prioritization of substances regarding their risk to pollinators. Further research is necessary to better characterize the risk that pesticides represent in neotropical agricultural landscapes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1022–1031. © 2023 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malathion is one of the most well-known pesticides which is widely used for controlling insects and pests. Slow degradation and extensive and/or inappropriate use of malathion have resulted in the contamination of the environment inflicting hazardous damages to the ecosystems and human health. This systematic study along with meta-analysis is aimed at reviewing a vast number of reports on the application of the above-mentioned methods used for the extraction and detection of malathion in a wide variety of samples. Initially, the relevant articles over the last decade (2011-2020) were selected for the meta-analysis and subsequently systematically reviewed. The major key points of each article were extracted by a predefined data template. In addition, the statistical analyses were performed by the R software. Following a thorough screening, 812 articles were found to be suitable. Of which, 68 were finally selected which met the required quantitative criteria for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted by the random-effects model with a high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.99%). The pooled results on the selected articles revealed that the solid phase-based methods in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) have gained lots of interest among the researchers. Within the mentioned articles, the respective recoveries, LODs and LOQs were reported to fall in the range of 95.43-139%, 0.000026-100 µg/l, 0.000078-300 µg/l and 97.20-136%, 0.00001-1.3 µg/g, 0.00005-4.2 µg/g for the aqueous and solid matrices. The results also revealed that the maximum recovery was affiliated to the SPE method (139%) for the aqueous matrices, while the corresponding value for the solid matrices was 134%. According to the pooled data, the mean recoveries varied in the ranges of 92.11-102.50 % and 92.21-102.91% in the aqueous and solid matrices, respectively. The maximum recovery of malathion was assigned to the extraction by SPE (101.46%, 95% CI= 94.66-108.27). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unintentional exposure to pesticides can occur during an occupational or non-occupational situation. Occupational exposures in Texas are reported by law. In contrast, non-occupational exposures are sometimes overlooked, and very little information on these exposures is available. This study describes the magnitude and characteristics of acute non-occupational pesticide exposures reported in Texas during 2015-2021. Methods: Data were obtained from the Texas Department of Agriculture's internal database to establish geographic and temporal distributions of the cases. Cases were classified based on the strength of evidence following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the attributes of the reported cases and the reported health effects. Results: A total of 313 non-occupational pesticide exposure incidents were identified; 228 cases had enough strength of evidence to support an association between exposure and the health effects. Insecticides were the type of pesticide with the most reports (50.4%, n=115). Cameron and Hidalgo counties had the highest incidences of pesticide exposure cases, 0.58 and 0.48 per 100,000 population, respectively, and among these counties, malathion was the active ingredient with the most reports. However, overall, naphthalene was the most reported active ingredient, involved in 12.3% (n=28) of the incidents. Most of the cases were classified as low illness severity (82.9%, n=189), with headaches, eye irritation, and dyspnea being the most reported symptoms, and only 21% (n=49) of the people exposed seeking medical attention after the incidents. Conclusions: Texas had a low incidence (0.16 per 100,000 population) of acute nonoccupational pesticide exposure cases during 2015-2021. Incidence of exposures was three times higher for residents of Cameron and Hidalgo counties, compared with the incidence for the entire state from 2015-2021. Findings of this study highlight areas where interventions could be focused to reduce pesticide exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide use is indispensable for combating diseases occurring during olive cultivation. However, this has led to challenges of pesticide residues in consumer products as a result of pesticide application errors and the methods used during processing and preservation. This work aimed to identify the effects of table olive processing and preservation techniques on the concentrations of malathion and its degradation product malaoxon. For this purpose, olive trees in an experimental olive orchard were sprayed homogeneously with malathion at a dose of 975 mg L−1 and processed as (i) vacuum-packed, (ii) alkali treated and (iii) directly brined for natural fermentation. The changes in microbial growth, pH-acidity and pesticide (malathion and malaoxon) concentrations were monitored regularly during the experiment. Lactic acid bacteria, yeast and mould growth were not detected in any of the treatments. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria and enterobacteria were the dominant microbial groups in all non-sprayed treatments, but no enterobacteria growth was detected in sprayed treatments. Lower pH values were observed in the brines of natural fermentation treatments of both sprayed and non-sprayed olives. The independent effects of time and processing method and their interactions on malathion and malaoxon concentrations were found significant (p <.05). During the experiments, the highest reduction in malathion concentration was observed in alkali treated samples (95–99%), followed by naturally fermented (77–88%) and vacuum-packed samples (74–76%). Processing factors for all treatments were lower than 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection and removal of pesticides from their very low concentration solution are daunting tasks. The development of substrates leading to the adsorption of the pesticides requires a thorough understanding of the adsorption process. Here, we studied the interaction of two organophosphates, phorate, and malathion, on functionalized by using four different silane coupling agents, namely n-propyltrimethoxy silane (PTMS), octyltrimethoxy silane (OTMS), 3- (trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) and 3- (triethoxysilyl) propionitrile (TESPN). Diffusion controlled kinetic model with a surface phase concept is developed. The concentration of the pesticides used in this work in the range of 1–20 mg/L. The model is fitted to the real-time adsorption data of phorate, and malathion over various substrates obtained using QCM-D. The results show that TMSPMA functionalized surface being more hydrophilic among all surfaces adsorbs hydrophobic pesticides molecules more uniformly. The monolayer adsorbed mass of pesticides obtained experimentally aligns with the theoretically calculated mass for TMSPMA functionalized silica surface. The adsorption is explained through molecular interactions. A reasonably strong binding with a possibility of reversible binding of phorate and malathion on TMSPMA functionalized surface is observed. [Display omitted] • Interaction of phorate and malathion on surfaces with flexible terminal functionalities. • Hydrophilic TMSPMA functionalized surface adsorbs hydrophobic pesticides molecules more uniformly. • Diffusion controlled kinetic model with surface phase concept is developed. • The pesticide concentration near surface depends of the functionalized surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide usage has contributed to increasing food production; it has also caused them to be found in ecosystems inducing adverse effects on biota. Fish are the most abundant and diverse vertebrates in the world and are of great importance both economically and ecologically. Some fishes are indicators of the environmental quality of aquatic ecosystems and provide insight as to how pollutants might influence public health. The tilapias species can be considered biomonitors because they present little displacement representing the contamination level of a site. This study aimed at three goals: (1) to determine the concentration of 20 pesticides in tilapia muscle in the Ayuquila-Armería basin, (2) to describe the spatiotemporal variation of analytes and (3) to evaluate the risk of consuming contaminated fish. The presence of 11 pesticides was determined. Ametrine, glyphosate and malathion concentrations showed significant differences by season. The risk assessment showed that the consumption of tilapia muscle from the Ayuquila-Armería basin does not represent a risk for the population. Diazinon concentrations were relatively low compared to the other pesticides concentrations, but its toxic characteristics were the ones that most negatively influenced the risk assessment. The results obtained are relevant from the social and economic points of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Treatment by ozone water is an emerging technology for the degradation of pesticide residues in vegetables. The ozone dissolved in water generates hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which are highly effective in decomposing organic substances, such as malathion and carbosulfan. RESULTS: We found that washing pak choi with 2.0 mg L−1 ozone water for 30 min resulted in 58.3% and 38.2% degradation of the malathion and carbosulfan contents respectively, and the degradation rates of these pure pesticides were 83.0% and 66.3% respectively. In addition, the 'first + first'‐order reaction kinetic model was found to predict the trend in the pesticide content during ozone water treatment. Based on investigations by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry combined with the structures of the pesticides, the by‐products generated were identified. More specifically, the ozonation‐based degradation of carbosulfan generated carbofuran and benzofuranol, whereas malathion produced succinic acid and phosphoric acid. Although some new harmful compounds were formed during degradation of the parent pesticides, these were only present in trace quantities and were transient intermediates that eventually disappeared during the reaction. CONCLUSION: Our results, therefore, indicate that ozone water treatment technology for pesticide residue degradation is worthy of popularization and application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics can functionally improve fish wellbeing and are suggested as antioxidative agents to protect fish from xenobiotics toxicity. Herein, dietary Lactobacillus casei (IBRC-M 10,711) was included in the diets of goldfish (Carassius auratus) to protect against malathion toxicity. Fish (12.47 ± 0.06 g) were randomly allocated to six groups (triplicates), as follows: T1) control; T2) fish exposed to 50% of malathion 96 h LC50; T3) L. casei at 106 CFU/g diet; T4) L. casei at 107 CFU/g diet; T5) fish exposed to 50% of malathion 96 h LC50 + L. casei at 106 CFU/g diet; T6) fish exposed to 50% of malathion 96 h LC50 + L. casei at 107 CFU/g diet. After 60 days, goldfish fed T4 had the highest final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups (P < 0.05). However, the T2 group showed lower FBW, WG, and SGR and higher FCR than fish in T1 (P < 0.05). Fish in the T4 group had the highest blood total proteins, albumin, and globulin, while fish in T2 had the lowest levels (P < 0.05). Fish in the group T2 had the highest triglycerides, cholesterol, cortisol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the blood, while fish fed T4 had the lowest values (P < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed the highest activities in T3 and T4 groups, and the lowest SOD was seen in the T2 group, whereas the lowest CAT was seen in the T2, T5, and T6 groups (P < 0.05). Fish in the T5 and T6 groups had higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities than fish in T1 and T2 groups but T3 and T4 groups showed the highest values (P < 0.05). T2 group had the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) level, while T3 and T4 groups had the lowest MDA level (P < 0.05). Blood immunoglobulin (Ig) and lysozyme activity were significantly higher in T3 and T4 groups and lower in the T2 group than in the control (P < 0.05). The alternative complement pathway (ACH50) was significantly higher in T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 groups than in the T1 group (P < 0.05). Skin mucus Ig was significantly higher in T3 and T4 groups and lower in the T2 group than in the control (P < 0.05). The highest lysozyme activity, protease, and ACH50 in the skin mucus samples were in the T4 group, while the lowest values were in the T2 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary L. casei protects goldfish from malathion-induced growth retardation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of biological and pharmacological benefits have been attributed to ginger and turmeric, but limited studies have been done to show the positive effects of ginger and turmeric extracts on embryo development in model animals such as chickens and their neutralizing effect to reduce the toxicity of pesticides. The aqueous extracts of ginger and turmeric were screened for their effect on embryo development after treatment of fertilized eggs with malathion. Ginger and turmeric extracts significantly increased the crown-rump (CR) and body weight measurement when compared with control groups after administration of malathion. A dose-dependent response was observed indicating that increase in the aqueous plant extracts concentrations resulted in increase in percent mortality of chick embryos. Administration of ginger resulted in 95.5 % increase in wet body weight and 19.5 % increase in CR measurement of 7-days embryo. While administration of turmeric resulted in 59.7 % increase in wet body weight and 19.9 % increase in diameter of CR of 7-days old embryo as compared to controls. Similarly, administration of ginger extract also reduced percent mortality (30-50 % decrease) in embryos treated with malathion, whereas turmeric reduced percent mortality up to 40 %, when a dose of 100 µgmL-1 of malathion was injected. In short, ginger and turmeric extracts significantly increased the growth parameters of embryo development in chicken by mitigating the toxicity of malathion. A number of biological and pharmacological benefits have been attributed to ginger and turmeric, but limited studies have been done to show the positive effects of ginger and turmeric extracts on embryo development in model animals such as chickens and their neutralizing effect to reduce the toxicity of pesticides. The aqueous extracts of ginger and turmeric were screened for their effect on embryo development after treatment of fertilized eggs with malathion. Ginger and turmeric extracts significantly increased the crown-rump (CR) and body weight measurement when compared with control groups after administration of malathion. A dose-dependent response was observed indicating that increase in the aqueous plant extracts concentrations resulted in increase in percent mortality of chick embryos. Administration of ginger resulted in 95.5 % increase in wet body weight and 19.5 % increase in CR measurement of 7-days embryo. While administration of turmeric resulted in 59.7 % increase in wet body weight and 19.9 % increase in diameter of CR of 7-days old embryo as compared to controls. Similarly, administration of ginger extract also reduced percent mortality (30-50 % decrease) in embryos treated with malathion, whereas turmeric reduced percent mortality up to 40 %, when a dose of 100 µgmL-1 of malathion was injected. In short, ginger and turmeric extracts significantly increased the growth parameters of embryo development in chicken by mitigating the toxicity of malathion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute or chronic exposures to pesticides have been linked to neurotoxicity and the potential development of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). This study aimed to consider the neurotoxicity of three widely utilized pesticides: malathion, chlorpyrifos, and paraquat within the hippocampus (HC), corpus striatum (CS), cerebellum (CER), and cerebral cortex (CC). Neurotoxicity was evaluated at relatively low, medium, and high pesticide dosages. All pesticides inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and neuropathy target esterase (NTE) in each of the brain regions, but esterase inhibition was greatest in the HC and CS. Each of the pesticides also induced greater disruption to cellular bioenergetics within the HC and CS, and this was monitored via inhibition of mitochondrial complex enzymes I and II, reduced ATP levels, and increased lactate production. Similarly, the HC and CS were more vulnerable to redox stress, with greater inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase and increased lipid peroxidation. All pesticides induced the production of nuclear Nrf2 in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results show that pesticides disrupt cellular bioenergetics and that the HC and CS are more susceptible to pesticide effects than the CER and CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phyllosphere harbours a distinctive microbial community that is influenced by plant species, geological locations, and biotic and abiotic environmental factors. Organophosphates represent a significant category of pesticides that are applied to plant surfaces for pest management. Despite substantial research into phyllosphere microorganisms, little is known about the influence of pesticides on the phyllosphere bacterial ecosystem. In the present study, the effect of chlorpyrifos, monocrotophos, and malathion was studied on the phyllosphere bacterial community of Solanum melongena. The plant-inhabitant bacterial population was explored using culturable and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, with and without pesticide application. A total of 165 genera belonging to 14 phyla were observed in the control and 108 genera belonging to 11 phyla in the treated sample. In total, 28 morphologically distinct bacteria were isolated from the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaf, and 4 bacteria were found tolerant to pesticides. An increased abundance of Psychrobacter, Janthinobacterium, Sphingomonas, Flavobacterium, and Pedobacter were observed from the pesticide-treated phyllosphere. Overall pesticide impacted the evenness and diversity of the bacterial communities colonizing the S. melongena phyllosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber gloves used for protection against chemicals or hazards are generally prone to tearing or leaking after repeated use, exposing the worker to potentially hazardous agents. Self-healing technology promises increased product durability and shelf life appears to be a feasible solution to address these issues. Herein, we aimed to fabricate a novel epoxidized natural rubber-based self-healable glove (SH glove) and investigate its suitability for handling pesticides safely. In this study, breakthrough time analysis and surface morphological observation were performed to determine the SH glove's ability to withstand dangerous chemicals. The chemical resistance performance of the fabricated SH glove was compared against four different types of commercial gloves at different temperatures. Using malathion as a model pesticide, the results showed that the SH glove presented chemical resistance ability comparable to those gloves made with nitrile and NR latex at room temperature and 37 °C. The self-healing test revealed that the SH glove could be self-healed and retained its chemical resistance ability close to its pre-cut value. Our findings suggested that the developed SH glove with proven chemical resistance capability could be a new suitable safety glove for effectively handling pesticides and reducing glove waste generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel ratiometric imprinted fluorescence sensor N -CDs@Eu-MOF@MIP was constructed. • Eu-MOF were introduced and enhanced the response sensitivity. • The dual emission strategy endowed sensors remarkable fluorescence color changes. • The fluorescence sensor selectively recognized malathion. • Smartphone-assisted platform offered a promising tool for visual inspection. Sensitive and rapid detection of pesticide residues in food is essential for human safety. A ratiometric imprinted fluorescence sensor N -CDs@Eu-MOF@MIP (BR@MIP) was constructed to sensitively detect malathion (Mal). Europium-based metal organic frameworks (Eu-MOF) were used as supporters to improve the sensitivity of the BR@MIP. N -doped carbon dots (N -CDs) were used as fluorescent source to produce fluorescent signal. A linear relationship between the concentration of Mal and the fluorescence response of the sensor was found in the Mal concentration range of 1–10 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 μM. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully applied for the detection of Mal in lettuce, tap water, and soil samples, with recoveries in the range of 93.0 % − 99.3 %. Additionally, smartphone-based sensors were used to detect Mal in simulated real samples. Thus, the construction of ratiometric imprinted fluorescence sensor has provided a good strategy for the detection of Mal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Homogenized celery was conducive to the stable storage of pesticide residue. • Peroxidase (POD) significantly affected stability of pesticide residues in celery. • Additional AlCl 3 and FeCl 3 can inhibit POD activity in celery. • Degradation of dichlorvos, malathion and chlorpyrifos can be delayed by metal ions. The factors affecting the storage stability of dichlorvos, malathion, diazinon and chlorpyrifos in celery were studied, and the mechanism of improvement of storage stability was explained. Residues of dichlorvos and malathion may be more stable in homogenized celery than in coarse form. The important role of storage form may be attributed to the difference of enzymes in the matrix. The results showed that POD activity in homogenized celery was lower than that in coarse one, and pesticide residues were more stable in homogenate. The interaction between POD and pesticide molecules was confirmed by computational chemistry method. Moreover, exogenous metal ions (Fe3+ and Al3+) could significantly inhibit POD activity and improve stability of malathion, dichlorvos, and chlorpyrifos. When the concentration of ions increased to 40 m mol/L, the residue remaining of dichlorvos and malathion increased significantly. Instead, the significant reduction in diazinon was found because it was more susceptible to changes in pH, where acidic conditions were not conducive to its stable presence. Except in a few cases, the addition of metal ions can directly or indirectly improve storage stability of organophosphorus pesticide residues by inhibiting enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sm-BDC is the first Ln-BDC MOF sustainably prepared. • Ternary CdS-SmBDC-g-C 3 N 4 composite shows synergic interactions between its components. • Composite-modified electrodes are excellent to oxidize/detect malathion. • The sensitivity was as high as 25 μAμM−1 with detection limit of 7.4 × 10−9 M. Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide widely used in agriculture, whose elimination is highly demanded by society. This work faces this challenge by the development of a novel electrochemical sensor via modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with sustainable Sm-BDC MOFs and their corresponding novel binary and ternary composites combined with CdS and g-C 3 N 4 for the detection of malathion. Different characterization techniques indicate the successful synthesis of desired composite materials, with notable interaction between the individual components. CdS-Sm-BDC-g-C 3 N 4 -5 wt% modified electrode exhibited higher peak current than the bare GCE, with excellent electrocatalytic ability to oxidize malathion, due to its higher conductivity, catalytic effect and synergistic effects between CdS, g-C 3 N 4 and Sm-BDC. Under optimized condition, differential pulse voltammograms (DPV) demonstrate that the oxidation peak current was proportional to its concentration in the range of 3.0·10−8–15.0·10−8 M (R2 = 0.996), with high sensitivity (25 μAμM−1) and low detection limit (7.4·10−9 M or 7.4 μmM). In addition, the modified electrode affirms good stability and reproducibility, making it simple, cost effective with high sensitivity and selectivity. The results confirmed that making a composite is a key strategy for improving the physicochemical properties of MOFs and that modifying electrode surfaces with novel composites can enhance the detection of organophosphate pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of deployable biosensors that monitor the cumulative dose of toxic pesticides is essential to enable monitoring of soil and water exposure in populated areas. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) offer unique potential as cumulative dose biosensors due to their ability to store chemical information within the polymer network that can later be decoded in the form of quantifiable shape changes. Here, we present an LCE-based biosensor for the detection of the organophosphorus pesticide malathion through the immobilization of the hydrolytic enzyme pig liver esterase (PLE). Exposure to malathion was detected via shape change of the LCE from a flat ribbon to a helical structure. Quantification of the helical pitch provided a label free readout that correlated directly with the cumulative dose of malathion and enabled detection of successive doses independent of dosage timing or dilution. The cumulative dose was chemically encoded in the LCE and could be decoded by hydration, even after successive drying and rehydration steps. Importantly, the signal from the LCE was largely insensitive to sensing conditions and to interference from various chemicals. The combined results illustrate the utility of biocatalytic LCEs for monitoring harmful pollutants while allowing continuous and cumulative dose sensing in real-world conditions. [Display omitted] • LCE-based biosensor for malathion detection using pig liver esterase. • Label-free shape-change readout by measuring the ribbon helical pitch. • Malathion cumulative dose is chemically encoded in LCE. • Output can be rapidly encoded/decoded by drying/hydration of LCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validation and comparison of the detection of malathion and fenitrothion pesticides by the enzymatic method were studied based on cholinesterase inhibition. The equation of non-competitive inhibition was used to calculate the inhibitor concentration and the inhibition rate constant. Linear relationships were obtained for malathion and fenitrothion indicating that the enzymatic assay of pesticides could be represented by the kinetic equation of the non-competitive inhibition. The inhibition constant KI was 0.297 mg/ml/min for fenitrothion and 1.587 mg/ml/min for malathion. The concentrations of malathion and fenitrothion pesticides inhibited the enzyme by 50% (IC50) were 0.2 mg/ml and 0.35 mg/ml, respectively. The analytical logarithmic curve for the determination of the concentrations of pesticides using the percentage inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme presented good linear relation at concentrations range within the same range of non-competitive inhibition equation. The enzymatic assay exhibited detection limits (LOD) and linearity in the ranges 0.025–2.5 mg/ml for fenitrothion and 0.03–20 mg/ml for malathion. The precision study was performed using tomato extracts. Coefficients of variation ranging from 1.27% to 7.22% were obtained which indicate a good precision of the assay. The extraction method by acetone is effective for determining fenitrothion in tomato matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

São Paulo, Brazil, is the greatest pesticide consumer, and associated health problems in local population have already been described. PM 2.5 samples were collected in three sites with distinct characteristics and ten pesticides were determined. Population inhalation risk and influence of atmospheric transport in pesticide concentration were evaluated. In the agricultural site, the compounds with higher frequency of detection and concentrations were λ-cyhalothrin, kresoxim-methyl, and atrazine, while in urban and industrial sites, permethrin and malathion. Backward trajectories showed the influence of atmospheric transport. The highest values of daily inhalation exposure in infants were for heptachlor in all three sites. Values of hazard quotients indicated that there is no danger for the exposed population. On the other hand, cancer risk potential results were higher than values recommended by EPA to heptachlor and malathion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple thermal aptasensing platform was devised for the sensitive detection of organophosphate pesticides (using malathion as a model target) based on the efficient self-heating reaction of a warming pad with a switchable target responsive enzyme-encapsulated three-dimensional (3D) DNA hydrogel using a portable thermometer as a signal readout in this work. The existence of the target malathion would open the catalase-3D network and lots of catalase was released from the hydrogel, which could efficiently convert H2O2 to an O2 molecule. The product O2 is the critical condition for the self-heating of the warming pad. Thereafter, the temperature was enhanced with the increasing amount of O2. The strategy displays outstanding specificity, reproducibility and stability. Moreover, this method can be easily extended to monitor other molecules using different aptamer sequences in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure risk through the dietary, drinking water and inhalation routes of eight pesticides, namely propoxur, chlorfenapyr, dichlorvos, trichlorfon, malathion, fenitrothion, indoxacarb and emamectin benzoate to birds was evaluated using the exposure models including “guidelines on environmental risk assessment for pesticide registration—part 3: birds”, SIP model and STIR model. The registration of crops for pesticides and their application information were obtained from “China Pesticide Information Network”. The avian toxicological data were obtained from United States Environmental Protection Agency, European Food Safety Authority, PubChem and Pesticide Properties Database. Results showed that, through the dietary route, the primary acute risk of propoxur to birds was unacceptable. The primary long-term risk of propoxur to birds was acceptable. The primary acute, short-term and long-term risks of dichlorvos, chlorfenapyr, trichlorfon and fenitrothion to birds were unacceptable. The primary short-term and long-term risks of malathion to birds were unacceptable. The primary acute, short-term and long-term risks of indoxacarb and emamectin benzoate to birds were acceptable. Through the drinking water route, the acute and chronic risks of chlorfenapyr and indoxacarb to birds were not of concern, and the risks of the other 6 pesticides need to be concerned. Through the inhalation route, only the volatilized inhalation risk of dichlorvos to birds need to be concerned, and the droplet inhalation and volatile inhalation risks of the other 7 pesticides to birds are not of concern. In summary, among the 8 pesticides commonly used in forestry, only the risk of indoxacarb to birds was acceptable or not of conceren through all of the dietary, drinking water and inhalation routes. The risks of the other 7 pesticides to bird needed to be concerned. Our assessment could provide the references for the safe application of those 8 pesticides in the economic forest and proposals for the improvement of methods to assess the risk of pesticide to birds in China. However, only primary risk assessment was performed in this study, leading to conserved results. More accurate assessment results could be obtained by carrying out investigation and toxicology studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, parasite‐induced diseases in humans and wildlife are on the rise, and pesticide pollution may be a contributing factor. Echinostoma spp. trematode parasites are prominent in North America, and they use ramshorn snails (Planorbella [Helisoma] trivolvis) as intermediate hosts. We investigated the impact of chronic exposure to 1 of 5 pesticide treatments (control, or 50 μg/L of atrazine, glyphosate, carbaryl, or malathion) on uninfected and Echinostoma‐infected snails for 41 d in the laboratory. We recorded snail mortality, the number of egg masses laid, change in mass, and behavior. Chronic exposure to atrazine, carbaryl, and malathion significantly decreased snail survival, whereas parasite infection status or exposure to glyphosate did not. Pesticide and parasite treatments did not influence growth or behavior, but parasite infection caused complete reproductive failure in snail hosts. Our results indicated that the direct effects of pesticides could threaten snail populations in natural environments and disrupt host–parasite dynamics. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2755–2763. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the malathion specific polyclonal antibodies (Abs) were raised for the fabrication of an electrochemical immunosensor using poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNTs) nanocomposites. The conjugation of hapten (malathion diacid) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) through N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester method was optimised for the generation of Abs. New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits were immunised subcutaneously for the development of Abs followed by characterisation and purification. The purified Abs were covalently immobilised on nanocomposites deposited onto fluorine tin oxide (FTO). Based on immunoreaction between malathion and anti-malathion Abs, the DPV peak current was found to be inversely proportional to increase in malathion concentration. The detection limit was 1.1 fM under all the optimised experimental parameters. The immunosensor was found to be specific as low current response was observed for malathion only in comparison to other interferents. Malathion recoveries from the spiked sample were found to be superior via immunosensor than HPLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two kinds of core–shell nanoparticles Ag@Au NPs and Cu 2 O@Au NPs were synthesized. • Core-shell nanomaterials were electrochemically active and could bind aptamers. • Two novel probes were prepared by labeling aptamer with core–shell nanomaterials. • Electrochemical aptasensor could simultaneously detect acetamiprid and malathion. At present, due to the coexistence of multiple pesticides in vegetables and the enhanced toxicity, a simultaneous detection method for multiple pesticides is urgently needed. In this work, two types of core–shell nanomaterials, Ag-Au core–shell nanoparticles (Ag@Au NPs) and Cu 2 O-Au core–shell nanoparticles (Cu 2 O@Au NPs), were synthesized and labeled with acetamiprid aptamer and malathion aptamer to prepare two novel electroactive signal probes, respectively. The two probes were hybridized on the surface of the electrode by the principle of base complementary pairing between the aptamers and the thiolated DNA oligonucleotide sequences, and a dual-signal electrochemical aptasensor for the simultaneous detection of acetamiprid and malathion was established by modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The limits of detection (LOD) were calculated to be 43.7 pg mL−1 for acetamiprid and 63.4 pg mL−1 for malathion. The aptasensor determined acetamiprid and malathion in spinach and rape with the recovery rates of 88.9%–112.5% and 98.0%–114.1%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Indian freshwater ecosystems are not well studied, are degraded due to expansive agriculture and are contaminated with pesticides. • Mesocosms identified malathion was the dominant stressor among co-occurring stressors. • In mesocosms malathion reduced richness, organism densities and caused community homogenisation. • Toxicology test comparisons between countries identify that Indian taxa may be relatively pesticide tolerant. Globally, river pesticide concentrations are associated with regional and local stream invertebrate diversity declines. Pesticides often co-occur with elevated nutrients (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediments related to agriculture, making their individual effects difficult to disentangle. These effects are also less well studied in Asia, than in other geographic regions. Within Asia, India is one of the largest producers and users of pesticides and has approximately 60% of total land mass used for agriculture. Here we examine the responses of Indian river invertebrate communities subjected to malathion, nutrients, and sediment additions in a semi-orthogonal design, in three sequential (through time) short-term (120 h) mesocosm experiments. Additionally, a series of single-species toxicity tests were run that used 24 h exposure and 72 h recovery to examine the sensitivity of 13 local invertebrate taxa to malathion, and 9 taxa to cypermethrin, comparing these results to those from other biogeographic regions. Mesocosm results indicate that malathion exposure had a major effect compared to other stressors on communities, with a lesser effect of nutrients and/or sediments. In mesocosms, taxa richness, total abundance and the abundance of sensitive species all declined associated with malathion concentrations. Comparisons of organism sensitivities from other geographic locations and those in the current paper suggest taxa in India are relatively tolerant to malathion and cypermethrin. Our results further reinforce that the high observed aquatic pesticide concentrations known to occur in Asian freshwater ecosystems are likely to be negatively affecting biodiversity, homogenising biota towards those most stress tolerant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a number of leaching solutions (H 2 SO 4 , CuSO 4 and NaCl) and an electrochemical method were used together for the separation of Cu from waste printed circuit boards. Secondly, the magnetic-MOF(Cu) was synthesized using the Cu recovered from waste printed circuit boards. Thereafter, TiO 2 /mag-MOF(Cu) composite was prepared and its photocatalytic activity was assessed in the photo degradation of two prominent organophosphorus pesticides, namely malathion (MTN) and diazinon (DZN). The catalytic structure of the MOF-based composite was fully characterized by various analyses such as XRD, SEM, EDAX, FT-IR, VSM and UV–vis. The obtained analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of TiO 2 /mag-MOF(Cu) composite. The synthesized composite exhibited highly efficient in the degradation of both pollutants under the following conditions: pH 7, contaminant concentration 1 mg/L, the catalyst dosage of 0.4 g/L, visible light intensity 75 mW/cm2 and reaction time of 45 min. First order kinetic model was best suited with the experimental results (R2: 0.97–0.99 for different MTN and DZN concentrations). Trapping studies revealed that superoxide radicals (O 2 •−) played an important role during the degradation process. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated a superb recovery as well as high stability over five cyclic runs of reuse. In addition, the total organic carbon (TOC) analysis showed over 83% and 85% mineralization for MTN and DZN, respectively. The combined system of TiO 2 /mag-MOF(Cu)/Vis also exhibited a great level of efficiency and feasibility in the treatment of tap water and treated wastewater samples. It is concluded that TiO 2 /mag-MOF(Cu) could be used as an excellent catalyst for the photodegradation of MTN and DZN in aqueous solution. • An electrochemical method was applied to recover Cu from waste printed circuit boards. • TiO 2 /mag-MOF(Cu) nanocomposite was synthesized using the Cu obtained from the waste printed circuit boards. • TiO 2 /mag-MOF(Cu)/Vis system seems to be effective in malathion and diazinon degradation. • TiO 2 /mag-MOF(Cu) could keep its performance up to at least the 5th cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides exert a wide variety of functions for controlling pests. At low doses the pests are not much affected and parallel to that a chance of tolerance has been expected. In this study a population of fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster was grown under various doses of insecticide Malathion and herbicide Paraquat. Lower than the sub-lethal doses (0.2 micromolar), various biomolecular alterations in terms of protein oxidation (Advanced Oxidation Protein Products, AOPP), lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA), sialic acids, total thiols, Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) cation radical scavenging activity have been observed. Positive alteration in AOPP for both Malathion and Paraquat treated fruit flies as well as increased MDA content in Paraquat treated flies are the alterations in the fruit fly population because of oxidative stress. The unaffected MDA, sialic acid content and CUPRAC antioxidant capacity for Malathion treated flies demonstrates the diminished effects of oxidative stress exerted through Malathion. There is increase sialic acid and CUPRAC antioxidant capacity after treatment of Paraquat. There is also an increase in total thiols and ABTS cation radical scavenging activity after treatment of both Malathion and Paraquat. These results evidently show that improved antioxidant mechanisms effectively alleviate the oxidative stress exerted by pesticides. This study is clearly reflecting that oxidative stress generated by the sub lethal doses of pesticides can be diminished and certain tolerance level is also achieved by the insects in terms of increased antioxidant defence and longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the concentrations of malathion in fruits were determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry prior to pre-concentration using QuEChERS. The Z-sep+/PSA sorbent combination was used for the d-SPE clean-up and extraction was done using acetonitrile during QuEChERS. The absorbance of malathion was measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 415 nm. The QuEChERS parameters, which included type and volume of extraction solvent, type and mass of sorbents, and centrifugation rate, were optimised prior to application of the developed method to real fruit samples. The linear range was from 0.1 to 0.9 mg kg−1 while the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.9999. The limit of detection (LOD) for malathion was found to be 0.017 mg kg−1 and the limit of quantification was 0.05 mg kg−1. Orange samples were found to have no malathion residues when the developed method was applied to them while the concentrations of malathion in apple and pear samples were 0.07 mg kg−1 and 0.09 mg kg−1 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural commodities are generally consumed as processed food. Therefore, it is indispensable to assess pesticide residues in processed products rather than only in the raw agricultural commodity, in order to approach a more realistic scenario of dietary exposure. Processing factors are important tools for dietary exposure risk assessments. In this study, processing factors for the baking process were derived for 41 pesticides in cereal bran-based biscuits. The raw materials used consisted of wheat, rye, oat, and barley grains with incurred pesticides, which originally was produced for test material for European Union Proficiency Tests. Information on physicochemical properties of pesticides was collected for understanding the fate of pesticides during the baking process. Average processing factors varied between 0.67 and 1.6. Most pesticide residues exhibited a reduction of pesticide residues of less than 24%, which correspond to a processing factor (PF) range between 1 and 0.76, showing resistance to the baking process. However, for polar compounds such as carbendazim and volatile compounds (chlorpyrifos-methyl, malathion, and pirimiphos-methyl) larger reduction rates were observed, up to 33% (PF: 0.67). In general, a prolonged baking time did not significantly affect the PF, because the main degradation process takes place within the first 6 min. However, this was not the case for the highly volatile compounds, highly polar compounds, and compounds of low degradation temperature. These latter were significantly reduced with prolonged baking time, resulting in a reduction rate of up to 95%, which means an almost complete elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, simple, fast and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determination of an active ingredient malathion in the pesticide formulation has been developed. Successful separation and quantification of malathion were achieved using Purospher STAR RP-18e (30 x 4 mm, 3 µm) and isocratic elution with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile/water (47/53, V/V), flow rate of 1 mL/min, constant column temperature at 25 °C and UV detection at 220 nm. The specificity, selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were tested for the method validation according to the CIPAC and SANCO guidelines. The obtained values for multiple correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.99), relative standard deviation (RSD) of retention times and peak areas (RSD = 0.64%), and recoveries ranged from 101.04 to 101.84%, revealed that the developed method has an excellent linearity, precision of retention time and peak area and accuracy. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of an active ingredient malathion in the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) "Etiol techni" for a run time of 4 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escalating pesticide deposition in the aquatic environment is becoming a potential threat to aquatic organisms. Present study was designed to investigate acute toxicity in O. niloticus. the fish were exposed to five different concentrations of malathion, chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin (synthetic pyrethroid) pesticides in the laboratory using separate aquaria for each chemical. Mortality ranged from 100 to 0%. The 24 h LC50 (median lethal concentration) for O. niloticus was 5.70, 0.5 and 0.015 ppm for malathion, chlorpyrifos and Lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. LC50 values obtained after 24 h of exposure indicated that the fish were sensitive to all the three tested pesticides. The mortality rate was directly proportional to the pesticides concentration. The results showed that the lambda- cyhalothrin was found more toxic followed by chlorpyrifos and malathion. The study results suggested that the runoff of organophosphates and synthetic pyrethorid pesticides from nearby agricultural fields to aquatic environment posed health hazards on fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pesticides are applied in agricultural fields to control pest population and to achieve crop protection. But some of them persist in the environment and cause damage to the ecosystem. Hence, their degradation becomes necessary. Microbes possess the capacity to degrade such xenobiotic compounds. Objectives: The present study has been designed to isolate a bacterial strain effectively degrading Malathion and to test its efficiency of degradation. Materials and Methods: The bacterial strain was isolated from soil samples collected from agricultural fields after serial dilution. Based on biochemical tests, it was identified. In 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm concentrations of Malathion in minimal broth, parameters like orthophosphate released, pH and turbidity were measured for thirty hours. Influence of cell types and carbohydrate sources was also studied. Results: The selected bacterial strain was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During treatment, both orthophosphate levels and turbidity exhibited an increase while pH showed a decline. All the supplemented carbohydrate sources enhanced degradation. Immobilized cells performed better than that of free cells in long term treatment. Conclusion: From the above findings it can be concluded that the isolated bacterial strain could be used in the treatment of pesticide contaminants in agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bumblebees are one of the most important pollinators for plants consumed by humans. Currently, there is a significant risk of extinction for several pollinators, including bumblebees. One of the most likely causes is the toxic effect of pesticides. The mutagenic effect of pesticides on the DNA of bumblebees has not been studied. The aim of this work was to study the genotoxicity of pesticides for DNA in Bombus terrestris heads. The authors found that if added to bumblebees' isolated mitochondria, mitochondrial-directed pesticides caused less damage than broad-spectrum pesticides. The greatest amount of mtDNA damage was caused by adding Malathion and Difenoconazole to isolated mitochondria. Moreover, insects that consumed syrup with pesticides displayed more damage to the head than when the pesticide was added to isolated mitochondria. Malathion and Cypermethrin demonstrated significant genotoxic effects in vivo. Difenoconazole caused severe damage to mtDNA, while Deltamethrin did not have any genotoxic effect. Among mitochondria-targeted pesticides, Fenazaquin and Pyridaben demonstrated the highest genotoxicity. Chlorfenapyr, Hydramethylnone, and Tolfenpyrad did not show mtDNA genotoxicity. An increase in the number of copies of mtDNA was observed in insects that consumed sugar syrup with Deltamethrin and Tolfenpyrad. This increase is probably a compensatory effect in response to inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. This study found that, in general, broad-spectrum pesticides (Difenoconazole, Deltamethrin, Esfenvalerate, Malathion, and Cypermethrin) demonstrate greater mtDNA genotoxicity in bumblebees' heads compared with mitochondria-targeted pesticides (Fenazaquin, Chlorfenapyr, Hydramethylnon, Pyridaben, and Tolfenpyrad). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of pesticides creates hazards to the aquatic organisms. This study aimed to determined influence of bromacil, thiabendazole, malathion and mixtures of it on Tilapia nilotica (fish) and D magna. Effects included determination of mortality rate, losing sensation and behavior change (jump attempts) of fish and mortality rate for D. magna using concentration range from 0-6 mg/l. Normal growth of fish and D. Magana was observed under suitable laboratory conditions. The most toxic compound to D. magna was malathion, has an EC50 (Effective concentration that affect 50% of experimental animal) value of 0.43 (mg/l) compared to that of bromacil 0.59 (mg/l). Mixture of bromacil and malathion was less toxic than separately and have larger EC50 value 0.64 in toxic unit (TU) indicating potential antagonistic effect. Moreover, thiabendazole was more effective to fish than malathion. Relative toxicity (RT) indicates that thiabendazole has a lower value (0.276) than malathion indicating higher toxicity of thiabendazole. Furthermore, fish and D. magna were sensitive to low concentrations. These data indicate potent threats to aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive review of available bioremediation technologies for the pesticide malathion is presented. This review article describes the usage and consequences of malathion in the environment, along with a critical discussion on modes of metabolism of malathion as a sole source of carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur for bacteria, and fungi along with the biochemical and molecular aspects involved in its biodegradation. Additionally, the recent approaches of genetic engineering are discussed for the manipulation of important enzymes and microorganisms for enhanced malathion degradation along with the challenges that lie ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide concentrations are correlated with regional declines in stream invertebrate diversity. Experimental studies have identified that pesticides can have strong and persistent negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. These effects may occur at concentrations orders of magnitude lower than laboratory toxicity studies predict. Synergism among stressors is one explanation for observed laboratory–field differences. However, the true effect of pesticides on stream invertebrates remains uncertain, given interactions between stressors and natural environmental conditions.We experimentally examined multiple‐stressor effects on stream invertebrate assemblages and leaf litter breakdown using 24 independent ~900 L re‐circulating outdoor mesocosms in a semi‐orthogonal design. Two pulses of the pesticide malathion (C10H19O6PS2) were delivered at low and high concentrations (Pulse 1: low at 0.1 and high at 1 µg/L; Pulse 2: at 2.5 and 25 µg/L). These were crossed with a treatment combining stressors commonly associated with agricultural development; nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment (kaolinite).Malathion degradation was rapid (<24 hr half‐life) in all treatments, likely because of photolysis, hydrolysis, the presence of biofilms and sorptive processes. There were significant differences in invertebrate assemblages between treatments, where malathion contributed to 48% and 87% of deviance during Pulse 1 and 2 respectively. Malathion had strong negative effects during Pulse 2, with declines occurring between control and high pesticide treatments in Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera abundances (Cohen's d = 3.08), invertebrate richness (d = 3.57) and total abundance (d = 3.31).Despite the dominant effects of malathion on invertebrates, agricultural stressors inhibited rates of leaf litter breakdown (p < 0.05), and weakly mitigated malathion toxicity in mesocosms (e.g. PERMANOVA, P ≈ 0.1). Malathion breakdown analysis indicated sediment addition reduced malathion concentrations through alkaline hydrolysis and sorption. Experimental assays on common taxa supported sediment‐malathion interactions resulted in antagonism.Synthesis and applications. Pesticide effects were not synergistic with the stressors tested here. Indeed, sensitivity‐dependent stressor antagonisms were observed, reinforcing a mechanistic understanding of stressor effects and interactions is important. Among aquatic stressors examined, malathion had dominant effects on invertebrate assemblages, despite rapid degradation. Our results suggest that pesticide effects may be underestimated within ecosystems, where pesticides can have severe community‐wide effects, but rapid pesticide breakdown and sorptive processes may conceal causal links. Pesticide effects were not synergistic with the stressors tested here. Indeed, sensitivity‐dependent stressor antagonisms were observed, reinforcing a mechanistic understanding of stressor effects and interactions is important. Among aquatic stressors examined, malathion had dominant effects on invertebrate assemblages, despite rapid degradation. Our results suggest that pesticide effects may be underestimated within ecosystems, where pesticides can have severe community‐wide effects, but rapid pesticide breakdown and sorptive processes may conceal causal links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new restrictions on malathion, a common insecticide, due to its potential harm to 78 endangered species, requiring manufacturers to update product labels and consider protected habitats.

Nowadays, fabricating simple and efficient pesticide detection methods become a research focus due to the great threat pesticide residues posed to human health and environment. Herein, we constructed a high-efficiency and sensitive colorimetric detection platform for malathion detection based on polydopamine-dressed Pd nanocubes (PDA-Pd/NCs). The Pd/NCs coated with PDA exhibited excellent oxidase-like activity, which was attributed to the substrates accumulation and accelerated electron transfer induced by PDA. What's more, we successfully achieved sensitive detection of acid phosphatase (ACP) using 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as the chromogenic substrate, relying on the satisfactory oxidase activity from PDA-Pd/NCs. However, the addition of malathion could inhibit the activity of ACP and limit the production of medium AA. Therefore, we constructed a colorimetric assay for malathion based on PDA-Pd/NCs + TMB + ACP system. The wide linear range (0–8 μM) and low detection limit (0.023 μM) indicate excellent analytical performance, which is superior to most malathion analysis methods previously reported. This work not only provides a new idea for dopamine coated nano-enzyme to improve its catalytic activity, but also creates a new tactics for the detection of pesticides such as malathion. [Display omitted] • PDA-Pd/NCs prepared in this text exhibit excellent oxidase-like activity. • Proving that dopamine dramatically improves the catalytic activity of nanozymes. • Catalytic and enhancement mechanisms were analyzed in detail. • A colorimetric assay for ACP and malathion was constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Single crystals of oxydiacetic acid and Barium metal was grown through gel diffusion. • SXRD analysis revealed the presence of a three -dimensional structure and crystallizes in orthorhombic system. • The material showed fluorescence enhancement in the presence of malathion. • The presence of hydrogen bonding between the uncoordinated functional groups of the ligand present in the crystal and the Malathion results in the fluorescence enhancement. • A reusable aqueous phase turn-on luminescent sensor for the sensitive detection of malathion with appreciable efficiency. The recent trend in the agricultural field mainly focuses on the production of products with good yield by using potent and highly poisonous pesticides without considering their severe hazardous side effects. These materials are present in the soil, water, and air in trace amounts. Therefore, continuous monitoring of organophosphate (OPs) pesticides is essential from a human health perspective because of their unregulated use. In this study, we describe fluorescence enhancement sensing for the selective quantification of OPs in aqueous media. For this, single crystals of oxydiacetic acid functionalized barium metal; [Ba(C 4 H 4 O 5)(H 2 O)] n was developed through gel diffusion technique at room temperature. The crystals grown were found to be an effective turn-on luminescent probe in an aqueous medium for the sensing of malathion; one of the widely used pesticide in the agriculture field. The techniques such as Single Crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, TG/DTG, photoluminescent spectroscopy, etc. were used for the characterization of these crystals. The sensing experiments clearly showed that the synthesized material suspended in water can sense malathion in aqueous media with a detection limit of 10.6676 µM/L. From the Benesi-Hildebrand plot, it is clear that there exists a binding interaction between the sensor and the pesticide which is in 1:1 stoichiometry. The PXRD pattern clearly suggests that the material is intact and there is no change in its peak position, as well as no new peaks, has emerged after the sensing experiments. The FT-IR spectra taken after the sensing experiments show peak broadening and peak shift thereby indicating the evidence of hydrogen bonding interactions between electron-withdrawing groups of OPs and electron-rich open metal sites or organic ligand molecules of MOFs. Interestingly, the material retained its sensing ability even after the third cycle of sensing experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) nanozymes paper-based analytical device was designed for the rapid detection of organophosphate pesticides in fruits and vegetables. The paper-based analytical device was modified with silica oxide nanoparticles to enhance the assay sensitivity. CuO nanozymes displayed peroxidase-like activity and catalyzed the oxidation of o -dianisidine in the presence of H 2 O 2 from the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine. This results in the formation of a brown−colored product. In the presence of organophosphate pesticides such as malathion, acetylcholinesterase activity was inhibited, resulting in reduced color intensity production, and which was measured with a smartphone. The proposed nanozymes paper-based analytical device exhibited a good linear detection range (0.1–5 mg L−1), a low detection limit of 0.08 mg L−1, and the analysis time was only about 10 min for malathion detection under optimal conditions. Moreover, the CuONPs had excellent catalytic activity and higher stability than peroxidase. Finally, this device can be applied to detect organophosphate pesticides in fruits and vegetables with rapidity, accuracy, portability, and ease of handling in the field. [Display omitted] • A nanozymes paper−based analytical device is constructed for organophosphate pesticides detection in fruits and vegetables. • CuONPs is used as nanoenzyme platform with biosensor technique to detect organophosphate pesticides. • The proposed device presented detection sensitivity, portability and the ability for real samples detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Because of the bioaccumulation effect, organophosphorus pesticides cause long-term damage to mammals, even at small concentrations. The ability to perturb the phospholipid bilayer structure as well as the overstimulation of cholinergic receptors makes them hazardous to humans. Therefore, there is a need for a quick and inexpensive detection of organophosphorus pesticides for agricultural and household use. As organophosphorus pesticides are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, biosensors using this mechanism hold a great promise to meet these requirements with a fraction of reagents and time used for measurement comparing to laboratory methods. This study aims to manufacture AChE-coated, screen-printed carbon electrodes applicable in such amperometric biosensors. Design/methodology/approach: AChE enzyme, known for catalytic activity for the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh), could be used to obtain electrochemically active thiocholine from acetylthiocholine chloride in aqueous solutions. Using Malathion's inhibitory effect towards AChE, pesticides' presence can be detected by reduction of anodic oxidation peaks of thiocholine in cyclic voltammetry. Findings: The conducted research proved that it is possible to detect pesticides using low-cost, simple-to-manufacture screen-printed graphite (GR) electrodes with an enzymatic (AChE) coating. Investigated electrodes displayed significant catalytic activity to the hydrolysis of ATCh. Owing to inhibition effect of the enzyme, amperometric response of the samples decreased in pesticide-spiked solution, allowing determination of organophosphorus pesticides. Originality/value: Printed electronics has grown significantly in recent years as well as research focused on carbon-based nanocomposites. Yet, the utilization of carbon nanocomposites in screen-printed electronics is still considered a novelty in the market. Biosensors have proved useful not only in laboratory conditions but also in home applications, as glucometers are a superior solution for glucose determination for personal use. Although pesticides could be detected accurately using chromatography, spectroscopy, spectrometry or spectrophotometry, the market lacks low-cost, disposable solutions for pesticide detection applicable for household use. With biosensing techniques and electric paths screen-printed with GR or graphene nanocomposites, this preliminary research focuses on meeting these needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphates and carbamates have been among the most commonly used insecticides, with both agricultural and residential uses. Previous studies have suggested associations of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with some of these chemicals; however, many studies have been limited in their ability to evaluate associations with lymphoma subtypes. We evaluated the use of eleven organophosphate and two carbamate insecticides in association with NHL in the North American Pooled Project, which includes data from case-control studies in the United States and Canada (1690 cases/5131 controls). We used unconditional logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders, including use of other pesticides, to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between these chemicals and NHL overall, and NHL subtypes, i.e., follicular (FL), diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and others. Ever use of malathion was associated with increased risk of NHL overall (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.14–1.81) compared with never users. Categories using tertiles of duration (<4 yrs., 4–12 yrs., and >12 yrs) also showed a significant exposure-response for increasing years of use of malathion and risk of NHL (OR <4vsUnex = 1.33 (0.88, 2.03), OR 4-12vsUnex = 1.42 (1.02, 1.96), OR >12vsUnex = 1.55 (1.05, 2.28, p-trend < 0.01)). In addition, malathion use was statistically significantly associated with FL (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.11–2.27) and DLBCL (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.16–2.22) while there were no apparent associations with SLL or other subtypes, the p-value for heterogeneity across subtypes, however, was not significant. These results support previous studies suggesting an association between insecticide use and NHL overall, and provide new information on associations with NHL subtypes. • Increasing duration of exposure to organophosphate (OP) and carbamate insecticides significantly increases the risk of NHL • Increasing years of use of malathion, an OP insecticide, increased the risk of NHL overall • Malathion use was also significantly associated with the follicular and diffuse large b-cell subtypes of lymphoma [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a simple colorimetric probe was developed for rapid and highly sensitive detection of malathion based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) anti-aggregation mechanism. A certain amount of NaOH can cause the aggregation of citrate-stabilized AuNPs due to the electrostatic interactions, and the color of AuNP solution changes from wine-red to gray. While in the presence of malathion, malathion is easily hydrolyzed in a strong alkali environment (pH > 9), followed by the production of a mass of negative charges, and thus the aggregated AuNPs turns to well-dispersed and the color of AuNP solution changes from gray to wine-red. This characteristic change can be visualized with the naked eye and quantitatively detected by an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometer. Under optimized conditions, this probe exhibited a linear response to malathion in the concentration range of 0.05–0.8 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 11.8 nM. The probe also showed good specificity for malathion detection in the presence of other interfering pesticide residues. Furthermore, the probe was successfully employed to detect malathion in environmental samples, with a recovery of 94–107% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 8%. The results demonstrated that the proposed colorimetric probe based on anti-aggregation of AuNPs could be used for quantitative analysis of malathion and provided great potential for malathion determination in environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]