Prediction of Potential\nRisk for Ten Azole and Benzimidazole Fungicides with the Aryl Hydrocarbon\nReceptor Agonistic Activity to Aquatic Ecosystems

Azole and benzimidazole fungicides are widely used agrochemicals\nto prevent and treat fungal growth and are frequently detected in\naquatic environments. Here, we aimed to assess the aquatic ecological\nrisks of ten currently used azole and benzimidazole fungicides, which\nwith the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonistic activity, and their\ntransformation products (TPs). We obtained over 400 types of aerobic\nTPs for ten fungicides. Some fungicides and their TPs (approximately\n26.7%) exhibited the potential AhR agonistic activity and toxicity\nto different aquatic species. Meanwhile, some compounds with the chlorine\nelement and benzene ring structure exhibited environmental persistence\nand mobile ability. Several of them were frequently detected in aquatic\nenvironments, posing potential risks to aquatic ecosystems. These\nharmful fungicides and their TPs should be given attention. This study\nprovides important insight into the aquatic ecological risks caused\nby azole and benzimidazole fungicides, which can provide theoretical\nguidance for their pollution control.