Degradation of Emamectin Benzoate in the Aquaculture Pond Environment under Tropical Climatic Condition

Emamectin Benzoate (EMB), is an anti-parasitic drug, commonly used in aquaculture for prevention and control of parasitic infestations. The drug enters the environment through uneaten feed and faeces, ultimately accumulating in aquaculture pond sediment. Present study reports the influence of abiotic factors like, sunlight exposure (2,454 to 117,500 lux), pH, salinity and soil texture on the degradation of EMB in aquaculture pond water and sediment as per Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Results showed that the degradation of EMB in both water and sediment followed first-order kinetics, resulting in half-life of 5.6 days in water and 12.4 days in sediment when exposed to natural sunlight. Higher degradation of EMB was observed under alkaline conditions (pH 8.5) and at lower salinity (0.5ppt). EMB degradation is accelerated in loamy sand soil when exposed to sunlight. Results of the study suggest that in countries like India, where ample sunlight exposure is prevalent throughout the year, EMB degradation in aquaculture pond environment occurs at a rapid pace reducing the risk of accumulation in water or sediment.