Toxicological Effects of Differently Polluted Dam Waters Spiked with Pesticides on Freshwater Snails Lymnaea Natalensis

Abstract

Pesticides extensively used in agricultural fields to ensure high quality crop yields indirectly find their way to aquatic bodies where they affect aquatic biota. We investigated the effects of pesticides in different dam waters on esterase enzyme activity of the freshwater snail species Lymnaea natalensis. Groups of adult snails were exposed to 0.006 ppm chlorpyrifos and 0.003 ppm aldicarb in polluted water from Umguza dam and relatively pristine water from Hillside dam for 14 days. Carboxylesterase, acetylcholinesterase and arylesterase activities were measured. Both pesticides caused significant inhibition of esterase activity after the 14 day exposure period, with exposures to Umguza dam water showing higher inhibition as compared to exposures to Hillside dam water. Aldicarb and chlorpyrifos both showed a time-dependent inhibition of enzyme activity, the former causing a higher inhibitory effect as compared to the latter. Acetylcholinesterase was inhibited up to 80% following exposure to aldicarb while exposure to chlorpyrifos in Umguza water caused only 40% inhibition. Carboxylesterases were similarly inhibited with higher inhibition observed in snails exposed to Umguza dam water when compared to snails exposed to Hillside dam water, while arylesterases were inhibited in the range 80-90%, with an exception of chlorpyrifos spiked Hillside dam water which caused 45% inhibition. Contaminated Umguza dam water also appeared to enhance the effects of pesticides when compared to the relatively pristine Hillside dam water. Alteration of esterase activity can be used as an early warning signal indicating exposure to environmental pollutants. The results of this study therefore, highlight the adverse effects of pesticides on non-target aquatic organisms, evidenced by the inhibition of esterase activity.

The Appropriateness of Using Aquatic Snails as Bioindicators of Toxicity for Oil Sands Process-Affected Water

“…For example, the biology of a few snail species, such as Biomphalaria glabrata [19], are well-studied. Some species are known to respond to environmental contaminants; for example, esterase activity of Lymnaea natalensis is considered an early warning signal of pollutants exposure [20]. The relationship between the degree of metal exposure and a measurable effect has been largely established for some freshwater snails, such as Biomphalaria alexandrina [21] and Pomacea canaliculate [22].…”

Potential role of rice cultivation and fish aquaculture in the transmission of schistosomiasis and the effect of pesticides and fertilizers used in rice cultivation on the snail Biomphalaria alexandrina and schistosome larval stages

“…Pesticides are applied widely to protect plants from diseases, weeds, fungal and insect damage. Although the use of pesticides has resulted in increased crop production and other benefits, it has raised concerns about potential adverse effects on the environment and aquatic life (Aktar et al, 2009 andDelfina et al, 2016). In addition to fertilizers used for improving, increasing growth and yield of crops may reach snails in canals via drainage system (Ragab and Shokry, 2006).…”