Toxic effect of pesticides against the fresh water fish, oreochromis mossambicus
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Toxic effect of pesticides against the fresh water fish, oreochromis mossambicus
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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K. M. Remia, S. Logaswamy and R. Shanmugapriyan
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Toxic effect of pesticides against the fresh water fish, oreochromis mossambicus
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20178-9031
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The research paper investigates the toxic effects of various pesticides, including botanical extracts, a biological control agent, and a synthetic organophosphorus pesticide (chlorpyrifos), on the freshwater fish species Oreochromis mossambicus. Pesticides are known to pollute aquatic environments through several pathways, including runoff and aerial spraying. The study acknowledges that while pesticides are crucial for pest management in agricultural ecosystems, they can have severe and often lethal effects on non-target aquatic organisms, thus necessitating an examination of their impacts.
Effects of Botanical Extracts on Fish
The study assessed the lethal effects of botanical extracts from Hyptis suaveolens and Ocimum gratissimum on O. mossambicus. The median lethal dose (LC50) for H. suaveolens was determined to be 1198.25 ppm, while O. gratissimum had an LC50 of 1284.67 ppm. These findings were consistent with past research, which highlighted the potential of certain plant extracts to function as bio-pesticides with varying levels of toxicity to fish. The research emphasizes the need to explore more environmentally friendly pest management strategies that pose lower risks to aquatic life.
Toxicity of Biological Control Agents
The investigation also explored the effects of the biological control agent Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) on O. mossambicus, finding that it had a median lethal dose (LC50) of 665.68 ppm. Notably, this level of toxicity was considerably lower compared to the plant extracts and the organophosphorus pesticide. The results suggest that while Bti is often promoted as a safer alternative to chemical pesticides, it can still pose a significant risk to non-target organisms in aquatic ecosystems. This finding underscores the importance of assessing the ecological impacts of biological control agents similarly to traditional pesticides.
Impacts of Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos, the synthetic organophosphorus pesticide tested, revealed a median lethal dose (LC50) of 78.63 ppm, marking it as highly toxic to O. mossambicus. The results indicate that organophosphorus pesticides remain deadly even at low concentrations, raising concerns about their prevalent use in agriculture and their ramifications for aquatic life. This highlights the need for regulatory measures and sustainable practices to mitigate the risks posed by such chemicals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the present study illustrates the significant toxic effects of both botanical extracts and synthetic pesticides on freshwater fish, particularly O. mossambicus. Among the substances tested, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis emerged as the least harmful, while chlorpyrifos was particularly lethal to the fish at low concentrations. The findings advocate for the development and implementation of safer pest management strategies that minimize adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems, thereby ensuring the protection of vital species in these environments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the lethal effect of H. suaveolens on fish?
The median lethal dose (LC50) of H. suaveolens against Oreochromis mossambicus was found to be 1198.25 ppm, indicating its significant toxic effects on the freshwater fish.
How toxic is chlorpyrifos to freshwater fish?
Chlorpyrifos produced 50% mortality in Oreochromis mossambicus at an LC50 of 78.63 ppm, showing that it is highly toxic even at low concentrations.
What is the effect of Bacillus thuringiensis on fish?
Bacillus thuringiensis isralensis (Bti) had a median lethal dose (LC50) of 665.68 ppm, making it less toxic to Oreochromis mossambicus compared to plant extracts and chlorpyrifos.
How does O. gratissimum affect freshwater fish?
O. gratissimum caused 50% mortality in Oreochromis mossambicus at an LC50 of 1284.67 ppm, demonstrating its toxic potential, though it was safer than chlorpyrifos.
What methods were used to evaluate pesticide toxicity?
The study employed bioassays with various concentrations of test solutions and calculated the LC50 values using probit analysis, confirming toxic effects on the fish.
What can be concluded about the use of pesticides?
The investigation concluded that Bti is the least harmful, while chlorpyrifos and botanical extracts are more toxic, highlighting the environmental risks of commonly used pesticides.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Toxic effect of pesticides against the fresh water fish, oreochromis mossambicus”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Fish:
Fish are aquatic animals that serve as vital organisms in freshwater ecosystems. They are significant not only for biodiversity but also for human consumption and the fishing industry. In toxicological studies, fish are important test subjects as their reactions to pollutants can indicate the health of their aquatic environment.
2) Pesticide:
Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate pests that threaten crops and livestock. They can have significant negative impacts on non-target organisms, including aquatic life, when they enter water bodies through runoff or other means. This study focuses on the lethal effects of various pesticides on fish species.
3) Water:
Water is a critical component of ecosystems and is essential for the survival of aquatic organisms. It acts as a medium for chemical interactions and transport. In this research, water quality and the presence of various pollutants, including pesticides, are central to understanding their effects on fish health and behavior.
4) India:
India is a country with rich biodiversity and diverse aquatic ecosystems, making the study of toxin effects on fish particularly relevant. The nation's agricultural practices often involve the use of pesticides, resulting in potential runoff into water bodies, which can impact freshwater fish species' welfare and populations.
5) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil-nadu is incorrectly spelled in this context. It refers to the Tamil Nadu state in India, emphasizing the region's ecological and agricultural significance. The environmental studies conducted here highlight concerns about pesticide operations and their effects on local aquatic life, especially on fish populations.
6) Arunachalam:
Arunachalam refers to a researcher whose findings are cited in this study. His work contributes to the understanding of the toxic effects of chemical substances in aquatic environments. Recognizing previous research helps build a foundation for new studies on the interactions between toxins and aquatic organisms.
7) Zoology:
Zoology is the scientific study of animals, encompassing their behavior, physiology, classification, and distribution. This field is foundational to understanding the impact of environmental changes and pollutants on aquatic species, particularly in studies like this one that investigate the effects of pesticides on fish populations.
8) Insect:
Insects are a primary target of pesticides, as these chemicals are often developed to control pest populations in agriculture. The study's focus on fish highlights the unintended consequences pesticides can have not just on insects but also on the broader aquatic food web and ecosystem stability.
9) Table:
The table in the research presents critical data on lethal concentrations of various extracts and pesticides, providing a visual summary of the findings. Tables are essential in scientific publications for organizing complex data and enabling readers to quickly interpret the significance of results and comparisons.
10) Field:
Field refers to agricultural areas where pesticides are commonly applied to control pest populations. Runoff from these fields can introduce chemicals into nearby water bodies, making it crucial to study the effects of these substances on aquatic life, as demonstrated in the investigations conducted in this study.
11) Study (Studying):
The study involves scientific inquiry into the toxic effects of pesticides on freshwater fish. It aims to elucidate the correlations between pesticide concentration and fish mortality, contributing to broader discussions on environmental health and the safety of agroecosystems for aquatic biodiversity.
12) Chemical pesticide:
Chemical pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos used in this study, are synthetic compounds designed to combat agricultural pests. Their effectiveness comes with risks of toxicity to non-target organisms, including fish. Understanding these toxicological effects is essential for developing safer agricultural practices and ensuring aquatic ecosystem health.
13) Nerium indicum:
Nerium indicum is a plant mentioned in the study, known to have toxic effects on aquatic life when its extracts are used. Understanding the toxicity of plant extracts adds valuable insights into alternative pest control methods and their potential impacts on non-target organisms in aquatic environments.
14) Thevetia peruviana:
Thevetia peruviana is another plant referenced for its toxic properties against fish species. Investigating its lethal concentrations supports efforts to explore natural plant-based solutions for pest control while assessing the ecological risks involved in using such bioactive compounds in agricultural practices.
15) Observation:
Observation is a fundamental aspect of scientific research, involving the careful examination of experimental outcomes. In this study, fish mortality rates and behavioral changes are monitored, providing quantitative data that help draw conclusions regarding the effects of pesticides and botanical extracts on aquatic organisms.
16) Discussion:
The discussion section of the research interprets the results and contextualizes them within existing literature. It addresses the implications of the findings, explores possible mechanisms of toxicity, and suggests further research directions to understand the broader impact of pesticides on aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
17) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of substances on living organisms. This discipline is vital in assessing the impacts of chemicals, such as pesticides, on aquatic life. The study of toxicity in fish contributes to understanding broader environmental health issues and regulatory safety standards.
18) Substance:
Substance refers to the various chemicals and botanical extracts analyzed in this study. Each substance's effects on fish are evaluated to understand how they interact with aquatic organisms, highlighting the broader implications for ecosystem health and the importance of regulating harmful substances in the environment.
19) Toxicity:
Toxicity is a measure of how harmful a substance can be to living organisms. The study focuses on the toxicity levels of different pesticides and plant extracts on freshwater fish, providing essential data to evaluate ecological risks and inform safer pest management practices in agriculture.
20) Activity:
Activity in this context may pertain to biological or chemical actions of substances tested. It looks at how these activities affect fish behavior, physiology, and mortality, emphasizing the necessity of evaluating all organism interactions to safeguard aquatic ecosystems from the adverse effects of pesticides.
21) Species:
Species are groups of living organisms sharing similar characteristics. The study focuses on the fish species Oreochromis mossambicus, which is central to evaluating how pesticides and botanical extracts impact aquatic life. Understanding species-specific responses aids in comprehending ecosystem interactions and biodiversity conservation efforts.
22) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world, grounded in observation and experimentation. This research exemplifies scientific inquiry in toxicology, exploring the environmental impacts of pesticides on fish. Scientific findings guide regulatory policies and agricultural practices to foster sustainable development and protect aquatic ecosystems.
23) Surface:
Surface refers to the upper layers of water bodies, where interactions between chemicals and aquatic organisms primarily occur. Pesticides can enter these surfaces through runoff, affecting fish in these areas. Understanding surface interactions is crucial for assessing immediate ecological risks posed by agricultural practices.
24) Rohita:
Rohita likely refers to Labeo rohita, a species of fish often discussed in toxicological studies. The mention of Rohita highlights the relevance of examining various fish species when evaluating the impacts of pesticides. It emphasizes the need to consider multiple taxa for comprehensive aquatic health assessments.
25) Shukla (Sukla):
Shukla is a researcher acknowledged in the study, noted for prior work related to pesticide toxicity. Citing other studies adds credibility to the current findings and contextualizes the results within an established framework of knowledge, useful for advancing research in environmental toxicology.
26) Kerala:
Kerala is a state in Southern India adjacent to Tamil Nadu, known for its rich biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. The mention of Kerala situates the research within a geographical context, emphasizing the regional significance of assessing the impact of pesticides on freshwater fish populations.
27) Animal:
An animal is a living organism that is not a plant. This study focuses primarily on fish, emphasizing their biodiversity significance as aquatic animals. Understanding animal responses to pollutants informs broader ecological assessments critical for ecosystem health and conservation.
28) Powder:
Powder in this context refers to the powdered botanical extracts from plant leaves used in the experiments. The preparation and use of these powders as treatments are central to assessing the biological impacts of plant-derived substances on fish mortality and behavior compared to synthetic pesticides.
29) Simha:
Sinha refers to a researcher whose contributions to toxicology or related studies are cited within this research. Acknowledging previous findings enriches the current study's validity and ties the research into the broader discourse surrounding pesticide impacts on aquatic life.
30) Kumar:
Kumar is likely a reference to a researcher whose findings on toxic effects are cited in the article. His work is relevant to understanding long-term effects of certain pesticides on fish species, providing a foundation for new insights and fostering continued research in aquatic toxicology.
31) Tamil:
Tamil refers to the cultural and linguistic identity of the people in Tamil Nadu and is relevant in understanding the local agricultural practices. The study’s focus on Tamil Nadu's fish species highlights the intersection of local culture, ecology, and the impacts of agricultural pesticide use.
32) Ravi (Ravin):
Ravi is probably a researcher referenced in the discussion of aquatic toxicology related to pesticide impacts. Recognizing contributions from scientists like Ravi supports the richness of scholarship in this field and emphasizes the collaborative nature of research within aquatic and environmental sciences.
33) Nadu:
Nadu is a terminology mistake; it likely refers to 'Tamil Nadu.' It signifies the geographical and cultural context in which this study operates, emphasizing the regional importance of understanding the effects of agricultural practices on local waterways and fish populations.
34) Tank:
Tank refers to the aquatic environment where the research fish, Oreochromis mossambicus, were kept during experiments. It underlines the controlled conditions necessary for studying fish responses to toxins, allowing for precise observations and quantifications of pesticide effects on their health.
35) Sah:
Shah is another researcher whose work is acknowledged in relation to the impacts of pollutants on fish. Referencing prior literature strengthens the current study's conclusions, situating new findings within a larger body of existing research that analyzes environmental toxicology.
36) Food:
Food refers to the sustenance required by fish for survival. In this study, the diet provided to the fish before exposure to toxins is crucial for ensuring that observed effects can be attributed solely to the substances being tested, rather than variations in nutritional status.
37) Rice (Rce):
Rice is included in the context of preparing food for the experimental fish. Its mention illustrates the simplicity and commonality of fish diets in certain regions. The nutritional aspects can influence fish health, behavior, and resilience to toxic substances encountered during the study.
38) Bird:
Birds are often indirectly referenced when discussing pesticide impacts, as pesticide use not only affects aquatic organisms but also has cascading effects through the food chain to birds and other wildlife that depend on health fish populations. This highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystem health.
39) Wind:
Wind is mentioned in the context of how pesticides can disperse in the environment. It can carry pesticide particles from agricultural fields to water bodies, contributing to water contamination and the subsequent toxic effects on aquatic species, underlining the environmental implications of agricultural practices.
40) Life:
Life signifies the biological and ecological systems represented in this study, emphasizing the importance of protecting diverse organisms from polluting effects. The health of aquatic life is an integral element of ecosystem functioning, requiring careful consideration in agricultural policies and pesticide regulations.