A Negative Pressure is a condition that exists when less air is supplied to a space than is exhausted from the space, so the air pressure within that space is less than that in surrounding areas.

Read more ...

In the context of the environment, neonicotinoids refer to a class of synthetic insecticides chemically related to nicotine. They have been widely used in agriculture since the 1990s to control a variety of pests, especially sap-feeding insects like aphids and root-feeding grubs. Neonicotinoids act on the central nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death, and are considered to be more targeted than older classes of insecticides, with a lower toxicity to mammals.

General Description

Neonicotinoids are systemic chemicals, meaning they can be absorbed by a plant and distributed throughout its tissues, making all parts of the plant potentially toxic to pests. This systemic action allows for a variety of application methods, including seed coating, soil drenches, and foliar sprays. However, the widespread use of neonicotinoids has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding their impact on non-target species, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, aquatic invertebrates, and birds.

Application Areas

• Agriculture: Used to protect crops from pests, neonicotinoids are applied to seeds, soil, or plants directly.
• Horticulture and Forestry: Utilized in the protection of trees and ornamental plants from damaging insects.
• Veterinary Medicine: Some neonicotinoids are used in products to control fleas and ticks in domestic animals.

Known Examples

Common neonicotinoids include imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam. These chemicals have been found in a variety of environments, including water bodies, due to runoff from agricultural fields, and have been detected in nectar and pollen, posing risks to pollinators.

Treatment and Risks

Neonicotinoids have been linked to adverse environmental effects, notably:

• Bee Colony Collapse Disorder: Several studies have associated neonicotinoid exposure with the decline in bee populations, affecting their navigation, foraging behavior, and immune systems.
• Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems: Neonicotinoids can accumulate in waterways, potentially harming aquatic insects and the species that rely on them for food.
• Bird Population Declines: Reductions in bird populations have been linked to a decrease in insect availability due to neonicotinoid use.

Due to these concerns, some countries and regions have restricted or banned the use of certain neonicotinoids. The European Union, for example, has banned the outdoor use of imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam.

Summary

Neonicotinoids are a widely used class of insecticides known for their systemic action and effectiveness against a range of pests. However, their environmental impact, particularly on non-target species like pollinators and aquatic invertebrates, has led to increased scrutiny and regulatory action. The debate over their use underscores the challenge of balancing the needs of modern agriculture with the preservation of environmental health and biodiversity.

--

In the environmental context, "nervous system effect" refers to the impact environmental factors, pollutants, or toxic substances can have on the nervous system of humans and wildlife. These effects can range from acute to chronic and can result from exposure to a variety of environmental agents, including chemicals (like pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial pollutants), physical factors (such as radiation), and biological agents (like toxins produced by harmful algal blooms).

Read more ...

Net primary productivity is the (NPP) Rate at which all the plants in an ecosystem produce net useful chemical energy; equal to the difference between the rate at which the plants in

Read more ...

"Neural adaptation" in the environmental context refers to the process by which the nervous system adjusts its response to external stimuli from the environment. This phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of sensory perception and can involve both short-term changes, such as adjusting to different light levels, and long-term changes, such as acclimating to consistent noise pollution or adapting to the loss of a sensory modality. Neural adaptation allows organisms to efficiently process and respond to a wide range of environmental conditions, enhancing survival and functionality in diverse habitats.

Read more ...

Neutral solution is the water solution containing an equal number of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-); water solution with a pH of 7. Compare Acid solution, basic solution.

Read more ...

A neutron is a small particle possessing no electrical charge and typically found within an atom's nucleus. A neutron has about the same mass as a proton.

see also:
Read more ...