Degree Name
MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)
Program
Environmental Health Sciences
Date of Award
12-2018
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kurt Maier
Committee Members
Phillip Scheuerman, Joe Bidwell
Abstract
Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid pesticide used to protect against biting and sucking insects. Land managers rely on its systemic properties, however long-term studies investigating imidacloprid effects on ecosystem function are limited. This study investigated imidacloprid applications to Tsuga caroliniana and Tsuga canadensis over time and compared concentrations to measures of ecosystem function including soil respiration, microbial function, and invertebrate density. Results indicate that imidacloprid is persistent (p0.5). Microbial function and invertebrate density were not significantly different between control and treatment locations nor did imidacloprid concentrations correlate with ecosystem functional indicator activity (p>0.05). It is evident that imidacloprid does not affect ecosystem function over time, however care should be taken when applying it in sensitive locations where endemic, threatened, and endangered organisms reside.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Hardin, Joanna, "Imidacloprid Persistence, Mobility, and Effect on Ecosystem Function" (2018). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3518. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3518
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons