A Review on Methods for the Elimination of Imidacloprid: 2018–2022

Abstract Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide is used widely in agricultural fields to control insect pests. It exhibits insecticidal property by blocking the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, its excessive use over the decades has become hazardous to the living beings and environment. Thus, it is crucial to find out an efficient and effective way for the elimination of imidacloprid from the environment. To meet this requirement, scientists across the world are working on various remediation approaches such as physical (adsorption), chemical (oxidation, hydrolysis, illumination) and biological (microbial degradation). This review focuses on various approaches for the elimination of imidacloprid from the environment and also highlights the associated merits and demerits. The review will pave the way for the scientific community to develop more simple and eco‐friendly approaches for imidacloprid elimination.