Neonicotinoid Contamination in Indonesian Estuarine Waters in Relation to Agricultural Land Use (A Case Study in Indramayu Regency)

Studies conducted in countries other than Indonesia showed that neonicotinoid insecticides contaminated environmental waters and reduced the abundance of aquatic invertebrates. This study aimed to analyze residual concentrations of neonicotinoids in estuarine waters associated with watersheds and rice fields in Indramayu Regency, Indonesia. Data collection included communication with relevant government officials, analysis of watersheds and rice fields, and water sample analysis. The results showed that neonicotinoid residues were found in four of eight samples of estuarine waters in Indramayu Regency, Indonesia, with imidacloprid being the most detected one. The highest total residual concentration was found in sample taken from Patrol sub-district (141.83 ng/L). Two samples contained imidacloprid in excess of the chronic concentration limits determined by the The Netherlands. The area size of ​​rice fields and ​​the watersheds as well as the comparison of the two did not have a significant effect on the concentrations of neonicotinoid residues in water samples. This study provided the first record of neonicotinoid contamination in Indonesian environmental waters.