
A new USGS study found neonicotinoids in over half of the streams they sampled across the U.S.. (Photo: TJ Gehling/flickr/cc)
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
A new USGS study found neonicotinoids in over half of the streams they sampled across the U.S.. (Photo: TJ Gehling/flickr/cc)
A class of insecticides linked to the decline of bees has more found in more than half of the streams in the United States where samples were taken, new research has found.
Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) say it is the first national-scale study of the presence of neonicotinoids, or "neonics," in urban and agricultural land use settings across the nation.
Neonics can be used as a seed coating or foliar spray, and they are widely used, despite a body of evidence calling them a threat to global biodiversity and linking them to lethal and sub-lethal harm to bees.
The USGS reserachers detected at least one of six neonics in 63 percent of the 48 streams they sampled.
"In the study, neonicotinoids occurred throughout the year in urban streams while pulses of neonicotinoids were typical in agricultural streams during crop planting season," USGS research chemist Michelle Hladik, the report's lead author, said in a press statement.
A USGS study published last year focusing on just Midwest waterways detected neonics in all the 9 rivers and streams sampled, prompting Emily Marquez, PhD, staff scientist at Pesticide Action Network, to say, "The fact that neonics are pervasively contaminating surface waters should be a wake-up call for state and federal regulators, that must move more quickly to reduce and restrict use on farm fields."
The White House's Pollinator Health Task Force unveiled its strategy for improving pollinator health last year, and Mike Focazio, program coordinator for the USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, said the new USGS "research will support the overall goals of the Strategy, by helping to understand whether these water-borne pesticides, particularly at the low levels shown in this study, pose a risk for pollinators."
Environmental groups have denounced the Strategy's goals for not going far enough to save bees as it fails to restrict the use of neonics.
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
A class of insecticides linked to the decline of bees has more found in more than half of the streams in the United States where samples were taken, new research has found.
Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) say it is the first national-scale study of the presence of neonicotinoids, or "neonics," in urban and agricultural land use settings across the nation.
Neonics can be used as a seed coating or foliar spray, and they are widely used, despite a body of evidence calling them a threat to global biodiversity and linking them to lethal and sub-lethal harm to bees.
The USGS reserachers detected at least one of six neonics in 63 percent of the 48 streams they sampled.
"In the study, neonicotinoids occurred throughout the year in urban streams while pulses of neonicotinoids were typical in agricultural streams during crop planting season," USGS research chemist Michelle Hladik, the report's lead author, said in a press statement.
A USGS study published last year focusing on just Midwest waterways detected neonics in all the 9 rivers and streams sampled, prompting Emily Marquez, PhD, staff scientist at Pesticide Action Network, to say, "The fact that neonics are pervasively contaminating surface waters should be a wake-up call for state and federal regulators, that must move more quickly to reduce and restrict use on farm fields."
The White House's Pollinator Health Task Force unveiled its strategy for improving pollinator health last year, and Mike Focazio, program coordinator for the USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, said the new USGS "research will support the overall goals of the Strategy, by helping to understand whether these water-borne pesticides, particularly at the low levels shown in this study, pose a risk for pollinators."
Environmental groups have denounced the Strategy's goals for not going far enough to save bees as it fails to restrict the use of neonics.
A class of insecticides linked to the decline of bees has more found in more than half of the streams in the United States where samples were taken, new research has found.
Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) say it is the first national-scale study of the presence of neonicotinoids, or "neonics," in urban and agricultural land use settings across the nation.
Neonics can be used as a seed coating or foliar spray, and they are widely used, despite a body of evidence calling them a threat to global biodiversity and linking them to lethal and sub-lethal harm to bees.
The USGS reserachers detected at least one of six neonics in 63 percent of the 48 streams they sampled.
"In the study, neonicotinoids occurred throughout the year in urban streams while pulses of neonicotinoids were typical in agricultural streams during crop planting season," USGS research chemist Michelle Hladik, the report's lead author, said in a press statement.
A USGS study published last year focusing on just Midwest waterways detected neonics in all the 9 rivers and streams sampled, prompting Emily Marquez, PhD, staff scientist at Pesticide Action Network, to say, "The fact that neonics are pervasively contaminating surface waters should be a wake-up call for state and federal regulators, that must move more quickly to reduce and restrict use on farm fields."
The White House's Pollinator Health Task Force unveiled its strategy for improving pollinator health last year, and Mike Focazio, program coordinator for the USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, said the new USGS "research will support the overall goals of the Strategy, by helping to understand whether these water-borne pesticides, particularly at the low levels shown in this study, pose a risk for pollinators."
Environmental groups have denounced the Strategy's goals for not going far enough to save bees as it fails to restrict the use of neonics.