Toxicological Effects of Hematite Nanoparticles on the Common House Mosquito, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The obtained work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of hematite nanoparticles as larvicidal agents against Cx. pipiens larvae. Hematite nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple hypothermal method. The obtained nanoparticles average size was below 50 nm. TEM images determined the size and morphology of nanoparticles. Serial concentrations were applied on mosquito larvae. It was found that LC50 of hematite nanoparticles after 48 hours of treatment was 5.6997 ppm. The obtained results added a new weapon to control mosquitoes. It is suggested to investigate the joint action of nanoparticles with other insecticides to which insects had developed resistance.