ISSN:
1432-0703
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract A study on toxicity and bioconcentration of the organophosphorus pesticides dimethoate, methidathion, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, and phosmet has been carried out for two species of mollusc (Mytilus galloprovincialis and Venus gallina). The LC50 (96-h) and NOLC (not observable lethal concentration) values were determined and some sublethal effects (the development of functional byssus for M. galloprovincialis and response speed at mechanical stimulation for both) were recorded at nominal pesticide concentrations of 1, 3.2, 5.6, 10, and 32 mg/L; and 56 mg/L only in M. galloprovincialis. Methidathion, chlorfenvinphos, and chlorpyrifos produced mortality and sublethal effects on M. galloprovincialis, but no effect was observed on V. gallina at the concentrations tested. Dimethoate and phosmet did not cause appreciable effects on either of the two species tested. Toxicity of the organophosphorus pesticides tested varied from moderate toxicity to no-effect (in acute tests), depending on the compound and organism that was tested. Pesticides residue analyses of the soft tissue of exposed molluscs showed that toxic pesticides can be bioconcentrated in short time periods. The levels of chlorpyrifos and methidathion in the two molluscs are related to the concentration in water and are also somewhat related to the percentage of mortality in M. galloprovincialis. V. gallina concentrated large amounts of pesticides in its tissues in short time periods with no observable toxic effects after 96-h. Bioconcentration of pesticide residues could produce serious risks to public health due to the consumption of these contaminated organisms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00212491
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