Species sensitivity distribution of dichlorvos in surface water species

Abstract Dichlorvos is an organophosphorus insecticide frequently detected in surface waters all around the world. From evaluation of environmental quality concentrations (EQC) for dichlorvos adopted by different countries, it was observed a wide variability among them. This despite regulatory EQC-values are typically based on toxicity data and species sensitivity distribution (SSD) investigated frameworks, therefore should be similar. Hence, what cause differences between national regional EQC-values? And, which ones will protect aquatic fauna? These hypotheses were proposed to explain SSDs choice data: (i) EQC values obtained from technical presentation (pure dichlorvos) higher than estimated formulation (containing other substances improve efficiency active principle), as they may include synergists; (ii) taxa have sensitivities; (iii) produced under experimental conditions severely affect SSD. Regarding their capacity fauna were; iv) concentration represents risk organisms; v) not protective fauna. tested through meta-analysis enabling construction SSD’s across formulated several taxa, literature analogous conditions. Finally, elaborated compared with meta-study monitored concentrations. The study suggested that increased products up two-fold arthropods. Species phylogeny affected sensitivity, but SSD derived used setting remarkably robust inclusion/exclusion less sensitive species. results similar case results. most likely stem political considerations how use derive EQCs rather SSDs. defined 6.5 ng L − 1 5% species, according European EQC, one lower limit US, China, Argentina.