SIDE EFFECTS OF SILICONE-BASED MONOMOLECULAR FILMS ON NON-TARGET ATMOSPHERIC AIR BREATHING AQUATIC INSECTS

Silicone-based monomolecular films are becoming widespread both because of their effectiveness and because it seems they do not harm non-target organisms. These products create a barrier on the water surface, lowering surface tension that prevents mosquito larvae and pupae from breathing and adults from laying eggs. The aim of this study is to investigate whether these films have side effects on certain non-target species of Hemiptera and Coleoptera which breathe atmospheric air. The insects used were collected from canals, ditches, lakes, and ponds, and immediately brought to the laboratory, where they were tested with Aquatain® AMF. The results reveal that these insects are extremely sensitive to silicone films, in fact, Gerridae, Corixidae, Dytiscidae, Notonectidae, and Gyrinidae all showed 100% mortality within 24 hours of applying 1 ml/m² of the product. The use of monomolecular films in wetlands must therefore be carefully evaluated.