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Effects of a Neonicotinoid on Indigenous Earthworm Perionyx excavatus Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations

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Abstract

Acetamiprid is a broad-spectrum insecticide, belonging to the neonicotinoid compounds group, which has been extensively applied throughout the globe. Recently, indiscriminate use of these compounds was reported to cause fatal impacts on non-targeted soil organisms. Hence, the present study aimed to examine the impact of acetamiprid on Indian indigenous earthworm, Perionyx excavatus. Acute toxicity revealed an LC50 concentration of 0.25 µg/cm2 for filter paper test/72 h and 400 µg/kg for artificial soil test/14 days. Oxidative stress (ROS) and various biomarkers including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, malondialdehyde content and DNA damage were measured. The results of the biomarker responses confirmed the acetamiprid exposure can cause toxicity to P. excavatus. In addition, cell density (20 × 102 cell mL/mg) and cell viability (40%) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced. Further, the ecotoxicological assessment made through this study can be utilized as good evidence to toxicity of neonicotinoids to non-targeted indigenous organisms.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by Department of Biotechnology- BioCaRe Scheme (No. BT/PR18289/BIC/101/754/2016) and University Grants Commission- NFST Fellowship program (No: 201920-NFST-TAM-00427), India.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Science, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, 636011, India

    Duraisamy Elango & Palaniyappan Jayanthi

  2. Department of Zoology, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, 636011, India

    Nagarajan Kayalvizhi

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  1. Duraisamy Elango
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Elango, D., Kayalvizhi, N. & Jayanthi, P. Effects of a Neonicotinoid on Indigenous Earthworm Perionyx excavatus Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 110, 93 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-023-03731-7

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