Uptake, metabolism, and bioremediation of neonicotinoid insecticides in soil–plant systems: A review

Abstract Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) are continuously released into soil–plant systems due to the extensive application, posing risks to ecosystems and food safety. This review critically synthesizes the uptake, metabolic transformation, and bioremediation of NEOs, moving beyond general descriptions to identify key mechanistic drivers. We highlight that plant uptake of NEOs is governed by physicochemical properties like molecular weight and hydrophobicity, and facilitated by transmembrane carriers such as aquaporins and OsATL15 . For metabolism, we elucidate the complex species‐specific networks involved in Phase I–III reactions. A critical evaluation of these pathways reveals a “toxicity reversal” phenomenon: metabolic transformations (e.g., nitro reduction and side‐chain cleavage) frequently generate metabolites like desnitro‐imidacloprid and 6‐chloronicotinic acid, exhibiting higher toxicity to non‐target organisms than their parent compounds. These findings challenge current risk assessments that focus solely on parent residues. Furthermore, we evaluate bioremediation strategies, identifying that plant–microbe synergistic interactions—driven by root exudates that stimulate microbial mineralization—are significantly more effective than plant extraction alone. Finally, we propose a future research framework integrating spatial single‐cell metabolomics and machine learning to decipher spatiotemporal metabolic kinetics. We advocate for a “One Health” approach that incorporates high‐risk metabolites into regulatory standards to ensure sustainable agricultural development.