MIXCOP–Implementation of a model to assess the time-dependent effects of mixed pesticides on a collembolan population

TL;DR

MIXCOP is a new model that simulates how pesticide mixtures affect a population of soil-dwelling springtails over time.

Contribution

The novel contribution is a combined model integrating soil exposure prediction, effect estimation, and population dynamics for pesticide risk assessment.

Findings

MIXCOP calculates time- and movement-dependent pesticide exposure for individual springtails.

The model accounts for effects on both adult and juvenile organisms in a soil column.

The modular structure allows for detailed analysis of individual assumptions and interactions.

Abstract

A new simulation model has been created by merging three model approaches, including soil exposure prediction, effect estimation and a population model.•The aim is to use the overall model to better assess the effects of pesticides on soil organisms.•The model is called MIXCOP (pesticide MIXtures and their effects on a COllembolan Population) and simulates a population of Folsomia candida in a vertical soil column.•MIXCOP allows to calculate a time- and movement-dependent exposure for the individual animals, as well as the resulting effects. Effects on both adult organisms and juvenile organisms are taken into account. The modular structure including the individual assumptions are explained in more detail.

The aim is to use the overall model to better assess the effects of pesticides on soil organisms.

The model is called MIXCOP (pesticide MIXtures and their effects on a COllembolan Population) and simulates a population of Folsomia candida in a vertical soil column.

MIXCOP allows to calculate a time- and movement-dependent exposure for the individual animals, as well as the resulting effects. Effects on both adult organisms and juvenile organisms are taken into account. The modular structure including the individual assumptions are explained in more detail.

This graphic was published in advance in Sybertz (2024) [1].Image, graphical abstract

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