Adverse effects of cypermethrin on golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata) and their eggs, and application of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as biomarker

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cypermethrin on hatching rate of golden apple snail eggs, mortality rate of the golden apple snails, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expression applied as a bio-indicator. The results showed that cypermethrin concentration did not affect hatching rate or development of the eggs and larvae in comparison with the control. The mortality rate depended on the exposure concentration. Median lethal concentration (LC50) (95% confidence) at 96 h was approximately 8.99 (8.93-9.06). The concentration of cypermethrin had an effect on AChE expression in both the snails and their eggs. The molecular weight of AChE found was 71 kDa, as studied by SDS-PAGE and Western blot techniques. The ELISA technique revealed that AChE contents in both the snails and their eggs were significantly different from the control (p <0.05). Based on our results, AChE could be applied to assess cypermethrin exposure in the snails and their eggs, in order to plan contamination management of such pesticides in the snails and reduce the risks to consumers.

Keywords

• elisa technique
• mortality rate
• toxicity testing
• western blot