Montmorillonite-based essential oil carrier and its effects on non-target species: an environmental perspective on its risk assessment

These findings suggest that the nanoclay-EO formulation did not reduce the toxicity of SM EO, and in some cases, may even raise ecotoxicological concerns, particularly for aquatic and soil invertebrates. This study highlights the importance of detailed ecotoxicological evaluations of biopesticide formulations based on plant-based and materials as essential oils, and other natural materials, as they cannot be assumed as safe compounds. To the best of our knowledge ecotoxicological data is limited for most of the EO including some that already in the market. Based on these results, the concentrations to be tested for efficacy against target organism (safe to non-target organism) should be lower than 0.007 mg mL^-1.