Aquatic systems pyrethroid insecticides

Pyrethroids show very marked selective toxicity (Table 12.2). They are highly toxic to terrestrial and aquatic arthropods and to fish, but only moderately toxic to rodents, and less toxic still to birds. The selectivity ratio between bees and rodents is 10,000- to 100,000-fold with topical application of the insecticides. They therefore appear to be environmentally safe so far as terrestrial vertebrates are concerned. There are, inevitably, concerns about their possible side effects in aquatic systems, especially on invertebrates. 

This chemical is used for the control of cone worms, seed bugs, seed worms, and other insects and mites. The USEPA has classified bifenthrin as toxicity class II, meaning it is moderately toxic.4,5 Bifenthrin is a member of the pyrethroid chemical class. It is an insecticide and acaricide that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and causes paralysis in insects.6,7 It is highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms. 

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