A University of Kentucky researcher is working to protect pollinators and other wildlife from the dangers of neonicotinoids, an insecticide commonly used to shield crops from pests. Tiffany Messer, an associate professor in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, is studying floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), which are engineered platforms covered in wetland vegetation that float on water bodies and naturally purify water by filtering pollutants and promoting beneficial ecological processes. Her research suggests that FTWs could help protect endangered bee populations, aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Neonicotinoid pesticides have long faced scrutiny for their impact on pollinators like bees, butterflies and other essential wildlife. Studies show these pesticides jeopardize biodiversity and taint surface water, harming aquatic creatures and human well-being. Additionally, nitrates, which are widespread surface-water pollutants, contribute to ecological disturbances.
Messer's research suggests that FTWs is a creative and ecologically conscious approach to combatting these issues. These engineered wetlands, designed to drift on water surfaces, are brimming with wetland vegetation that collaboratively employ physical, chemical and biological processes to purge pollutants.
In her study, Messer conducted comprehensive experiments measuring the efficacy of FTWs in cleansing surface water of neonicotinoid pesticides and nitrates. In 21 days, the outdoor experimental system showcased that FTWs successfully extracted nitrate from the water, regardless of neonicotinoid presence.
Nitrate-N was completely eliminated by FTWs during the experiment's duration," Messer said. "FTWs removed approximately 30% of imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid pesticide, and degradation byproducts. It also removed 10% of thiamethoxam, another common neonicotinoid pesticide, and degradation byproducts from the water column.
Messer and her team are now taking their research a step further by studying two wetland designs that are being exposed to pesticides. The first is floating treatment wetlands, often used on urban ponds to reduce algal blooms. Another is surface flow wetlands often used in agricultural settings to reduce fertilizer export to downstream environments.
Over two years, the researchers monitored multiple rivers across diverse landscapes in Kentucky, spanning rural Appalachia, agricultural zones, urban areas and regions influenced by mining activities. By comparing pre- and post-flood conditions, they assessed the impact of land use on river water quality. Armed with these real-world observations, the team replicated similar scenarios in their laboratory settings to examine how different pesticide and personal care product mixtures might affect wetland ecosystems.
Messer's research promises to provide valuable insights into the ways emerging contaminants impact best management practices to preserve waterways.
Photo Credit: istock-kerem-hanci
Categories: Kentucky, Crops