Neonicotinoid insecticides were found in a little more than half of the streams sampled from 2011-14 in a study of the prevalence of pesticides and other contaminants in waterways, said the U.S. Geological Survey. Neonicotinoids are suspected of playing a role in the decline in honeybee populations. The lead author of the study, USGS research chemist Michelle Hladik, said neonics were found throughout the year in urban streams, while “pulses of neonicotinoids were typical in agricultural streams during crop planting season.” Neonics are widely used as a seed coating on corn and soybeans to ward off pests. The study covered 24 states and Puerto Rico.
In a release, USGS said the study “is the first step needed to set priorities for environmental exposure experiments and the potential for adverse impacts to terrestrial and aquatic organisms.” Researchers want to know if the low levels of the pesticides pose a threat to pollinating insect such as bees.