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Comparative Assessment of Occupational and Phytotoxic Risk of a Triazole Fungicide: Integration of Field Experiment Results Using POEM, BBA Predictive Models and a Secale cereale L. Biotest

Comparative Assessment of Occupational and Phytotoxic Risk of a Triazole Fungicide: Integration of Field Experiment Results Using POEM, BBA Predictive Models and a Secale cereale L. Biotest

ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.22, No 1, 2026

https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2026.01.059

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYTOTOXIC RISK OF A TRIAZOLE FUNGICIDE: INTEGRATION OF FIELD EXPERIMENT RESULTS USING POEM, BBA PREDICTIVE MODELS AND A SECALE CEREALE L. BIOTEST

Dontsova D.O., Demchenko V.F., Kovalenko V.F., Zaets Y.R., Kofanov V.I., Gromovoy T.Yu.

State Institution “Institute of Occupational Health NAMS of Ukraine”

Full article (PDF), UKR

Introduction. The widespread use of multicomponent pesticide formulations, particularly triazole fungicides (prothioconazole, propiconazole, and tebuconazole), is essential for controlling fungal pathogens and preventing resistance development. However, these products may pose occupational health risks to operators. Traditional exposure assessment models, such as POEM and BBA, may underestimate or overestimate actual risk due to generalized assumptions. Plant biotesting complements phytotoxicity assessment, while the Gini coefficient (G) and Shannon index (H) allow quantitative evaluation of the contribution of individual components to the overall risk.

The aim of the research – to compare occupational exposure levels predicted by the POEM and BBA models with data obtained from a field experiment, to assess occupational risk based on the Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (AOEL), and to evaluate the phytotoxicity of the fungicide using a Secale cereale L. biotest with identification of risk-limiting components and contribution inequality.

Materials and methods of the research. The study was conducted using a fungicide designated "K1-AHT-22, EC" containing prothioconazole (60 g), propiconazole (60 g), and tebuconazole (240 g). The field hygienic experiment included preparation of the working solution, sprayer filling, and boom spraying. Concentrations of active substances in workplace air and contamination levels of hands, head, and protective clothing were determined. Phytotoxicity was assessed using a Secale cereale L. biotest.

Results. Measured concentrations in workplace air were 0.10 mg/m³ for prothioconazole, 0.004 mg/m³ for propiconazole, and 0.005 mg/m³ for tebuconazole. According to the POEM model, occupational risk was acceptable (E < 1), with prothioconazole-desthio (E = 0.95) and tebuconazole (E = 0.83) identified as risk-limiting compounds. The Gini coefficient was 0.3692 and the Shannon index was 1.1059 bits, indicating moderate inequality of component contributions. According to the BBA model, tebuconazole exceeded the AOEL by 70.5% (Etotal = 1.705), with dermal exposure contributing 95.54% of the total risk. The corresponding Gini coefficient and Shannon index were 0.4900 and 0.8887 bits, respectively. The biotest demonstrated a relatively uniform contribution of prothioconazole (39.4%), propiconazole (30.7%), and tebuconazole (29.9%) to phytotoxicity, with G = 0.1630 and H = 1.5733 bits, indicating an additive effect. No correlation was observed between components dominating occupational and phytotoxic risk.

Conclusions. The POEM and BBA models produced substantially different estimates of occupational risk and identified different risk-limiting compounds. The BBA model indicated an unacceptable occupational risk associated primarily with dermal exposure to tebuconazole, whereas the POEM model suggested acceptable exposure levels. The Gini coefficient and Shannon index proved useful for quantifying inequality in component contributions to overall risk. The Secale cereale L. biotest revealed an additive phytotoxic effect that did not correlate with occupational risk patterns. Combined application of predictive exposure models, plant biotesting, and inequality indices is recommended for comprehensive assessment of occupational and environmental risks associated with multicomponent fungicides.

Key words: triazole fungicides, occupational risk, dermal exposure, POEM model, BBA model, Gini coefficient, Shannon index, risk-limiting compounds, phytotoxicity

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