A revision about impact of agrochemicals used in the rice field in fishes

Abstract

In the rice field, the use of agrochemicals to control rice weeds and pests is recommended to improve yield. However, their use may affect non-target organisms, as the fishes. Therefore, this review has like objective to analyze data regarding the effects of agrochemicals used in the rice field in fishes to propose strategies to minimize their impact. There is a large variation in the agrochemicals toxicity, and the determination of the medium lethal concentration in 96 hours is only an initial approach for additional studies, because many of them can provoke changes in biochemical parameters in fish tissues at lower concentrations. These biochemical parameters are more appropriate as biomarkers for agrochemicals. It is suggested to use the minimum recommended dose to minimize the impact of the agrochemicals, as well as to keep the water layer of the rice field for at least two weeks after the application to decompose the active principle and reduce toxicity. Besides, the integrated pest management is recommended, even as the rice-fish culture, which avoids the use of agrochemicals and in some situations, may give similar yields.