Effects of pyrimethanil fungicide on Chironomidae community structure

Abstract The use of agrochemicals in agriculture may impact aquatic ecosystems, particularly influencing the stream insect communities. Among insects, family Chironomidae is most abundant and species-diverse group found freshwater ecosystems. However, southern hemisphere, studies with are still sparse, compared to Europe North America. present study evaluates responses species (Insecta: Diptera) pyrimethanil fungicide a mesocosm experiment. Water contamination chironomid community were monitored over 10 months. After five months monitoring, was completely degraded there statistically significant increase Margalef Richness Shannon-Wiener Index (H’) control units when contaminated mesocosms (p = 0.003). Our results point out that utilization can be harmful factor negatively populations. This finding has key implications for conservation strategies ecological management environments.