A novel peptide able to reduce PLA2 activity and modulate inflammatory cytokine production

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are associated with inflammatory response, performing a complex process involving, specially, cytokines. The excess of pro-inflammatory cytokines induces a chronic inflammatory response and can cause several disorders in the body. Therefore, the inhibition or regulation of cytokines' signaling pathways is a target for new treatment development strategies. Thus, this study aimed to select PLA2 inhibitor mimetic peptides through phage display technology with anti-inflammatory activity. Specific mimetic peptides were selected using BpPLA2-TXI, a PLA2 isolated from Bothrops pauloensis, as a target, and γCdcPL, a PLA2 inhibitor isolated from Crotalus durissus collilineatus, which was used as a competitor during the elution step. We selected the peptide C2PD, which seems to play a pivotal role in the modulation of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 cytokines in inflammatory cells. The C2PD showed a significant reduction in PLA2 activity. Furthermore, the synthetic peptide was tested in PBMC and showed a significant down-modulation of IL-6 and IL-1β release, whereas IL-10 responses were up-regulated. Our findings suggest that this novel peptide may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties and absence of cytotoxicity.

Phytoremediation, bioaccessibility and ecotoxicological risk assessment of arsenic in a gold mining area

The physicochemical and biological parameters of aquatic ecosystems are directly affected by mining activities, increasing the ecotoxicological risk related to exposure to contaminants and pollutants. In this study, a native and adapted floating aquatic macrophyte was used in a gold mining area as a model organism to assess the environmental risk and its potential application in bioremediation of heavy metals. The physicochemical parameters of water and sediments were evaluated, as well as the phytoremediation parameters (bioconcentration and translocation factors) of Hydrocotyle ranunculoides L. The results showed a significant bioconcentration of Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the roots of the macrophyte (high BCF: As > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr), confirming its suitability for use in rhizofiltration. Regarding arsenic bioconcentration, H. ranunculoides demonstrated a high BCF and TF > 1, indicating its phytoextraction potential, an essential requirement for plants to be used in bioremediation programs.

Arsenic exposure from groundwater: environmental contamination, human health effects, and sustainable solutions

Arsenic (As) occurs naturally in geologic conditions, but groundwater contamination might also be found due to the consequences of mining, agricultural and industrial processes. Human exposure to As after drinking contaminated water is commonly associated with acute toxicity outcomes and chronic effects ranging from skin lesions to cancer. Integrated actions from environmental and health authorities are needed to reduce exposure, monitoring outcomes, and promotion of actions to offer sustainable As-safe water alternatives. Considering recent research trends, the present review summarizes and discusses current issues associated with the process and effects of contamination and decontamination in an environmental health perspective. Recent findings reinforce the harmful effects of the consumption of As-contaminated water and broaden the scope of related diseases including intestinal maladies, type 2 diabetes, cancers of bladder, kidneys, lung, and liver. Among the main strategies to diminish or remove As from water, the following are highlighted (1) ion exchange system and membrane filtration (micro, ultra, and nanofiltration) as physicochemical treatment systems; (2) use of cyanobacteria and algae in bioremediation programs and (3) application of nanotechnology for water treatment.

Analysis of genotoxic effects on plants exposed to high traffic volume in urban crossing intersections

A biological assessment of environmental quality was performed using the tropical plant species Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt. var. purpurea exposed to different levels of air contamination in urban intersections with high volume of vehicle traffic. Air quality (average daily levels of particulate material in the PM_{1, 2.5, 10} fractions) and traffic volume in crossing intersections were monitored for 30 days before the collection of plants. Frequency of micronuclei and pollen abortivity in inflorescences collected at different intersections with gradual levels of traffic volume were evaluated as biomarkers of genotoxicity. In addition, the concentrations of bioaccumulated heavy metals in the leaves of the collected plants were also investigated. The proposed biological assessment model found a positive association between the environmental variables (traffic volume; concentration of particulate material) and biological effects (leaf concentration of Cr and Cd; micronucleus frequencies and pollen abortivity).

Low toxicity and high efficacy in use of novel approaches to control Aedes aegypti

Arthropod-borne viruses are a group of etiologic agents accounting for different incapacitating diseases that progress to severe and lethal forms in animal and human targets consequently representing a significant burden on public health and global economies. Although attempts were undertaken to combat Aedes aegypti, the primary urban mosquito vector of several life-threatening diseases, the misuse of chemical pesticides, development of resistance, and toxicity on non-target species still need to be overcome. In this context, it is imperative for development of long-lasting, novel approaches envisioning effective control of Aedes aegypti, mainly in endemic regions. Thus, the present review was undertaken to describe safe and eco-friendly approaches as potential weapons against Aedes aegypti. Accordingly, the findings discussed indicated that biological larvicides and genetic engineering technologies constitute noteworthy alternatives of future mosquito-borne arbovirus disease control efforts.

Association of low concentrations of pyriproxyfen and spinosad as an environment-friendly strategy to rationalize Aedes aegypti control programs

The association of low concentrations of pyriproxyfen and Spinosad, a naturally-occurring insecticide, was evaluated as an environment-friendly strategy to rationalize Aedes aegypti control programs by reducing larvicide consumption, saving financial costs and increasing residual effect against mosquitoes development. Firstly, the ecotoxicological parameters of the mixture was performed on non-target species Daphnia magna and the results confirmed that the low concentrations used in this larvicide mixture were not able to alter the reproductive parameters of chronically exposed microcrustaceans. In contrast, the mixture altered the behavior and development of Aedes aegypti, effectively inhibiting the emergence of adult insects for a long period. The results confirm the hypothesis that even at very low concentrations, the combination of the Spinosad and Pyriproxyfen larvicides offers an opportunity for Aedes aegypti public control programs to be more efficient.

Using native and invasive livebearing fishes (Poeciliidae, Teleostei) for the integrated biological assessment of pollution in urban streams

Invasive species are increasingly replacing native species, especially in anthropogenically transformed or polluted habitats. This opens the possibility to use invasive species as indicator taxa for the biological assessment of pollution. Integrated biological assessment, however, additionally relies on the application of multiple approaches to quantify physiological or cytogenetic responses to pollution within the same focal species. This is challenging when species are restricted to either polluted or unpolluted sites. Here, we make use of a small group of neotropical livebearing fishes (family Poeciliidae) for the integrated biological assessment of water quality. Comparing urban and suburban stream sections that receive varying degrees of pollution from industrial and domestic waste waters in and around the Brazilian city of Uberlândia, we demonstrate that two members of this family may indeed serve as indicators of water pollution levels. The native species Phalloceros caudimaculatus appears to be replaced by invasive guppies (Poecilia reticulata) at heavily polluted sites. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that both species could be used for the assessment of bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, and Cr). Ambient (sediment) concentrations predicted concentrations in somatic tissue across species (R²-values between 0.74 and 0.96). Moreover, we used cytogenetic methods to provide an estimate of genotoxic effects of water pollution and found pollution levels (multiple variables, condensed into principal components) to predict the occurrence of nuclear abnormalities (e.g., frequencies of micro-nucleated cells) across species (R² between 0.69 and 0.83). The occurrence of poeciliid fishes in urban and polluted environments renders this family a prime group of focal organisms for biological water quality monitoring and assessment. Both species could be used interchangeably to assess genotoxic effects of water pollution, which may facilitate future comparative analyses over extensive geographic scales, as members of the family Poeciliidae have become invasive in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Assessment of genotoxic effects on elderly populations exposed to high traffic areas: Results for supporting public health surveillance

In urban areas with intense vehicular traffic, particulate matter in suspension, especially the fraction of particles with ultra-fine diameter, has been regarded as the main problem of chronic diseases in susceptible populations, such as the elderly. This study aimed to determine the genotoxic effects of exposure to air pollution evaluating the association between the frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and binucleated (BN) cells in exfoliated oral mucosa cells of elderly population and exposure conditions, considering the influence of traffic and concentration of PM in different aerodynamic diameters. Traffic of passenger vehicles, heavy duty trucks and environmental concentrations of Particulate Matter were measured twice a day during 28 days before biological sampling of oral mucosa from 154 participants living in areas of distinct levels of urban traffic. Data from this study showed that the group of participants living near road traffic exhibited higher MN cell frequency, when compared to the other groups of subjects. In addition, a canonical correlation analysis between environmental and genotoxicity variables analysis revealed that high concentrations of the particulate matter were correlated with intense traffic and the genotoxicity in exfoliated oral cells.

Properties, toxicity and current applications of the biolarvicide spinosad

Characterized as a highly valuable bioactive natural product, spinosad is a pesticide with a complex chemical structure, composed of spinosyn A and D, molecules synthesized by the actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. The larvicidal activity of spinosad was postulated to be a promising approach to combat crop pests and control species responsible to transmit mosquito-borne illness, including Aedes aegypti. Although initially deemed as relatively safe for non-target organisms and highly effective against insects and crop pests, recent studies focused on the toxicity profile detected the occurrence of side effects in different living species. Thus, the present review was undertaken to describe the properties and characteristics of spinosad. In addition to indicating potential adverse effects on living organisms, alternative uses of the biopesticide as a mixture with different compounds are provided.

Assessment of the genotoxic potential of water courses impacted by wastewater treatment effluents using micronucleus assay in plants from the species Tradescantia

Water pollution and the increase in genotoxic consequences in aquatic environments are well documented indicating the necessity and importance of biomonitoring programs. The objective of the present study was to determine the environmental quality of water resources and genotoxic potential of materials present within water samples obtained from the Perdizes River and the Mumbuca Stream, located in a region of discharge of wastewater treatment effluents using Tradescantia micronucleus assay (Trad - MCN). Water samples were collected from different locations up and downstream of the wastewater treatment plant during rainy season and subsequently submitted to physico-chemical analysis and Trad-MCN bioassay. The spatial distribution of the physico-chemical parameters assessed suggested that discharges of wastewater treatment effluents reduced water quality at all sites examined. Further, exposure to wastewater treatment effluents produced genotoxic effects on tetrads of Tradescantia pallida. These results reinforce the sensitivity of the Trad-MCN bioassay and its potential application in water quality monitoring programs concomitant with physicochemical evaluation.

Evaluation of the genotoxicity of neurotoxic insecticides using the micronucleus test in Tradescantia pallida

Neonicotinoids and phenylpyrazoles are classes of neurotoxic insecticides which are able to bind at different ligand sites of neural receptors, leading to the deregulation of insect neural activity and hence resulting in death. The misuse or indiscriminate use of these chemicals is directly associated with several toxicological effects in biota and at different trophic levels. Based on this premise, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the genotoxic capacity of different concentrations of thiamethoxam (TMX), acetamiprid (ACP), imidacloprid (IMI) and fipronil (FP) through the Micronucleus Test in Tradescantia pallida (Trad-MCN). After acclimatization (24 h), T. pallida stems were treated with stablished concentrations of TMX, ACP, IMI and FP for 8 h. Then, the stems of the model organism were submitted to a recovery phase (24 h). The young inflorescences were harvested and fixed in Carnoy solution and, after 24 h, were conserved in ethanol 70% until the analyzes. The obtained anthers were macerated on slides for microscopy, stained with acetic carmine dye and covered with coverslips before analysis by light microscopy. Considering the insecticides, the micronuclei (MN) frequency in plants treated at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 g L^-1 for TMX, 0.2; 0.4 and 0.8 g L^-1 for ACP, 0.1; 0.2; 0.4; 0.8 and 1.6 g L^-1 for IMI and 0.2; 0.4; 0.8 and 1.6 g L^-1 for FP differed statistically (p < 0.05, Tukey) from the MN frequency of the negative control. All chemicals evaluated revealed genotoxic activity in T. pallida at the highest concentrations.

Evaluation of toxicity and environmental safety in use of spinosad to rationalize control strategies against Aedes aegypti

Spinosad is a naturally-occurring insecticide used for the management of Ae. aegypti larvae. The assessment of ecotoxicological parameters of spinosad is required for verifying the environmentally-friendly behavior of the compound and for evaluating toxicity values on non-target species. Thus, the aim of the study was to conduct toxicity tests using Daphnia magna as model organism after exposure to different concentrations of spinosad. Immobility effects were observed in both acute and chronic toxicity tests at the concentration of 2.5 μg/L, and D. magna exhibited an EC50-48 h of 4.1 μg/L and EC_50-7d of 9.3 μg/L. Also, the reproductive test showed a significant increase in the time of first reproduction and decrease in the number of neonates per female. However, due to the rapid decay of spinosad, other reproductive parameters were not markedly affected. Thereby, considering the satisfactory control performance against Aedes aegypti, a 100-fold lower concentration of spinosad can be used against the larvae, and owing to the residual efficacy observed, the application of the pesticide in the field may be rationalized while offering environmental safety.

Genotoxic and mutagenic assessment of spinosad using bioassays with Tradescantia pallida and Drosophila melanogaster

Spinosad (SPN) is a naturally-occurring insecticide obtained from the fermentation process of the actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Owing to the larvicidal action, the compound has been used in the control of Aedes aegypti. As a new insecticide commercially available in the market, few data are reported on genotoxic effects in non-target organisms. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mutagenic effect of SPN through the Micronucleus Test in Tradescantia pallida (Trad-MCN) and using the mutation and somatic recombination test in Drosophila melanogaster (SMART). At the Trad-MCN, after acclimatization (24 h), T. pallida stems were submitted to chronic treatment with SPN at concentrations of 0.156; 0.312; 0.625; 1.25 and 2.5 g/L solution for 24 h, followed by a recovery period. In SMART, considering the third stage larvae, offspring resulting from the ST and HB crossing were placed on chronic treatment (48 h) with 0.039; 0.078 and 0.156 μg/mL of SPN solution. No mutagenic effect was observed at any of the evaluated concentrations in SMART. Additionally, SPN is more toxic after metabolism via CYP6A2 (cytochrome P450) in D. melanogaster. However, SPN at the concentrations of 0.625; 1.25 and 2.5 g/L was able to induce high frequency of micronuclei in T. pallida. Under the experimental conditions of T. pallida in the present study, SPN caused genotoxic activity.

Ecotoxicological assessment of synthetic and biogenic surfactants using freshwater cladoceran species

Surfactants have been continuously detected within aquatic environments as a consequence of their use on a global scale. Lipopeptides are biosurfactants naturally produced by Bacillus subtilis that have been explored as green alternatives. The assessment of ecotoxicological parameters of synthetic and biogenic surfactants are required for evaluating toxicity values and to verify the eco-friendly behaviour of the biological compounds. This study aimed to conduct toxicity testing for different surfactants - sodium dodecyl sulphate and Triton X-100 - and biosurfactants - surfactin, iturin and fengycin - at different concentrations using Daphnia magna as model organism and Dendrocephalus brasiliensis as alternative test species for monitoring of pollutants in tropical freshwaters. According results, both species showed high sensitivity for the anionic compound SDS concerning the recommended dosage use, exhibiting EC_50-48h values of 24.1 and 15.4 mg/L for D. magna and D. brasiliensis, respectively. Although the biological source, surfactin showed the lower safety behaviour among the biogenic surfactants, while iturin and fengycin revealed very low toxicity effects on both organisms. Besides, data exhibited a higher responsiveness of D. brasiliensis for all tested compounds in comparison to D. magna, highlighting the importance of this species for monitoring of pollutants in tropical and subtropical environments.

Toxicity and applications of surfactin for health and environmental biotechnology

Characterized as one of the most potent biosurfactants, surfactin is a cyclic lipopeptide synthesized by several strains of Bacillus genus. The aim of this review was to present the physicochemical and structural properties of surfactin and to demonstrate advances and applications of this biosurfactant for health and environmental biotechnology. Further, this review also focused on toxicological effects of surfactin on in vivo and in in vitro systems. The hydrophobic nature of surfactin enables interaction with membrane-bound phospholipids and indicates the ability of the molecule to act as a new weapon with respect to therapeutic and environmental properties. Seeking to avoid environmental contamination produced by widespread use of synthetic surfactants, surfactin emerges as a biological control agent against pathogen species owing to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. In addition, the mosquitocidal activity of surfactin was suggested as new strategy to control disease vectors. The current findings warrant future research to assess the toxicity of surfactin to enable an optimizing anticancer therapy and to seek refined methodologies, including nanotechnology techniques, to allow for an improved delivery of the biogenic molecule on target cells.

Ecotoxicological risk assessment of contaminated soil from a complex of ceramic industries using earthworm Eisenia fetida

The aim of this study was to determine ecotoxicological parameters for biomonitoring of environmental risk of native soils from a ceramic industrial area that had been contaminated with cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) by using the earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Initially, lab tests were conducted to compare earthworm (Eisenia fetida) growth, survival, morphology, behavior, and reproduction rates following exposure to six concentrations of contaminated soil at 0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, or 100% mixed in artificial soil and cow dung following a 28-d incubation period. The second experiment consisted of utilizing Eisenia fetida in a predetermined lowest observed effect concentration to measure heavy metals bioaccumulation from superficial soil collected from a ceramic industrial area following a 56-d exposure. Data demonstrated that in the lab earthworms maintained at 6.25% of contaminated soil, exhibited significant increase in mean weight, bioaccumulation of Cd and Cr associated with a significant decrease in the amount of Cd and Cr in the soil. At field testing, similar results that were observed as in the lab as evidenced by rise in mean weight, higher levels of Cd and Cr in the earthworm tissue accompanied by significant fall in soil levels of Cd and Cr. In conclusion, at tested relevant environmental concentrations, the use of Eisenia fetida for assessing ecotoxicological risk arising from contaminated soil due to ceramic industrial pollutant emissions was found to be an effective tool for biomonitoring program.

Ecotoxicological effects of the insecticide fipronil in Brazilian native stingless bees Melipona scutellaris (Apidae: Meliponini)

Melipona scutellaris Latreille, 1811 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) is a pollinator of various native and cultivated plants. Because of the expansion of agriculture and the need to ensure pest control, the use of insecticides such as fipronil (FP) has increased. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sublethal doses of FP insecticide on M. scutellaris at different time intervals (6, 12, and 24 h) after exposure, via individually analyzed behavioral biomarkers (locomotor activity, behavioral change) as well as the effect of FP on different brain structures of bees (mushroom bodies, antennal cells, and optic cells), using sub-individual cell biomarkers (heterochromatin dispersion, total nuclear and heterochromatic volume). Forager bees were collected when they were returning to the nest and were exposed to three different concentrations of FP (0.40, 0.040, and 0.0040 ng a.i/bee) by topical application. The results revealed a reduction in the mean velocity, lethargy, motor difficulty, paralysis, and hyperexcitation in all groups of bees treated with FP. A modification of the heterochromatic dispersion pattern and changes in the total volume of the nucleus and heterochromatin were also observed in the mushroom bodies (6, 12, and 24 h of exposure) and antennal lobes (6 and 12 h) of bees exposed to 0.0040 ng a.i/bee (LD_50/100). FP is toxic to M. scutellaris and impairs the essential functions required for the foraging activity.

Acute ecotoxicity bioassay using Dendrocephalus brasiliensis: alternative test species for monitoring of contaminants in tropical and subtropical freshwaters

In International guidelines for standard ecotoxicological bioassays, Daphnia magna is the most applied microcrustacea for assessing toxicity of different pollutants. However, in research realized in tropical and subtropical areas, autochthonous species must be prioritized because they are adapted to the specificities of ecosystems. In this sense, the present study aimed to assess and compare (with D. magna) the sensitivity of the tropical species Dendrocephalus brasiliensis as alternative test species for monitoring of contaminants in tropical and subtropical freshwaters, by carrying out acute toxicity tests with different pollutants. According results, D. brasiliensis presented EC50-48 h values lower than D. magna for all substances tested, indicating higher sensitivity of the tropical organism in relation to the temperate organism. Furthermore, comparing the results obtained with data from other studies, D. brasiliensis is more sensitive to the chemicals tested than D. magna and has similar sensitivity to Pseudosida ramosa and Ceriodaphnia dubia, common species in tropical areas. In view of this, we suggest that D. brasiliensis can be used as alternative test species for monitoring of contaminants in tropical and subtropical freshwaters.

Contamination of soil and the medicinal plant Phyllanthus niruri Linn. with cadmium in ceramic industrial areas

Phyllanthus niruri is a plant that is used to prevent calcium oxalate crystallisation and to block the stone formation in urolithiasis. Contaminants in the environment can be readily taken up by medicinal plants due to their ability to absorb chemicals into their tissues. If contaminated plants are ingested, they have the potential to negatively affect human and environmental health. The aim of this study was to assess contamination in the soil and the medicinal plant P. niruri by cadmium (Cd) in ceramic industrial areas of Monte Carmelo, Brazil. Soil samples and plant samples (divided in root, shoot and leaves) were collected from a contaminated monitoring site and from a rural area (which was used as a reference site for comparative purposes). The Cd concentrations of the samples were analysed with an atomic absorption spectrometer. P. niruri was found to be sensitive to soil contamination by Cd that was attributed to ceramic industrial emissions. The results revealed that Cd bioaccumulation in the roots and shoots of P. niruri was associated with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the concentration of active lignan compounds (phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin) in the leaves. The identification of high concentrations of Cd and active lignan compounds suggests a risk of contamination of the site and the risk of a high dose of Cd to people exposed at the site.

Ecotoxicological effects of larvicide used in the control of Aedes aegypti on nontarget organisms: Redefining the use of pyriproxyfen

The continued widespread use of larvicides in Aedes aegypti control programs is still a necessary strategy, since there are no apparent efficient vaccines against arboviruses. However, chemical approaches may affect nontarget organisms and produce detrimental effects to environmental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct toxicity testing for pyriproxyfen at different concentrations using Daphnia magna and Artemia salina as model organisms to evaluate the ecotoxicological parameters. This study describes the toxicological effects of pyriproxyfen on both microcrustaceans, which are widely used in bioassays because of their sensitivity to changes in hydrosphere. Data demonstrated that the calculated EC_50-48h value of pyriproxyfen was 2.5 μg/for D. magna and A. salina; the no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) and the lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) of pyriproxyfen were found to be 0.63 and 1.25 μg/L for Artemia salina and Daphnia magna, respectively. In chronic toxicity and reproduction tests on D. magna, a calculated CL_50-7day (lethality on 50% of daphnids after 7 days of chronic test) and an EC_50-21day (50% reduction in the reproductive output of parental daphnids after 21 days of exposure) higher than 1.25 μg/L pyriproxyfen were observed. The time of first reproduction was significantly increased in D. magna after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of pyriproxyfen, but other reproduction parameters were not markedly altered. Environmental risk assessment revealed that pyriproxyfen is highly toxic for both branchiopods. Data demonstrated that pyriproxyfen may produce adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem at concentrations required to control Ae. aegypti.

Ecotoxicological assessment of pyriproxyfen under environmentally realistic exposure conditions of integrated vector management for Aedes aegypti control in Brazil

There is increasing concern to control Aedes aegypti mosquito exposure in developing countries such as Brazil. Thus, integrated approaches using a combination of chemical, pyriproxyfen larvicide, and biological, Xiphophorus maculatus, larvivorous fish species approaches are necessary and important to initiate more effective control against mosquito borne diseases. This study describes the toxicological effects of pyriproxyfen larvicide on the fish Xiphophorus maculatus, the larvivorous fish species employed to destroy A. aegypti larvae mosquito species. The toxicological profile of pyriproxyfen was evaluated to determine compatible concentrations for the use of this chemical in conjunction with X. maculatus as an integrated approach against A. aegypti mosquito larvae. According to the behavioral responses of fish, the no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) and lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) of pyriproxyfen were determined to be 2.5 and 5 µg/L, respectively. Bioassays indicated that although pyriproxyfen was not lethal to X. maculatus, the application of this compound at a concentration reported to control the emergence of A. aegypti larvae may decrease the swimming performance of larvivorous fish and their ability to ingest A. aegypti L4 larvae. Data show that integration of biological larvivorous fish and chemical larvicides is more effective when the appropriate larvicide concentration is utilized.

Toxicological assessment of spinosad: Implications for integrated control of Aedes aegypti using larvicides and larvivorous fish

Integration of larvivorous fish and biolarvicides at low concentrations to control of mosquito larvae in field situations may result in a safer and more effective tool. However, the usefulness of integrated approach depends upon survival and ecological fitness of fish employed. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the genotoxic effects of combining different sublethal concentrations of spinosad, a naturally occurring neurotoxic insecticide, with male adult poecilid larvivorous guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) fish on Aedes larvae mosquitos. Both fish species have been used for biological control of Aedes larvae in Brazil. Sublethal spinosad exposures were predetermined based on CL50-96hr. Nuclear abnormalities (NA) and micronucleus (MN) frequency in gill cells were measured after 14 d of exposure. Behavioral changes were monitored over 96 h. Although genotoxic effects were not markedly different from control, behavioral changes evaluated based upon the no-observable-effect concentration (NOEC) and lowest-observable-effect concentration (LOEC). Adverse effects were noted at concentrations of 12.6 mg/L (NOEC) and 25.3 mg/L (LOEC) spinosad. Therefore, these insecticide concentrations may be considered as being safe to these fish species and have important implications for integrated approach to control Aedes larvae using natural larvicides and larvivorous fish.