Ecotoxicological effect of methyl parathion on Moina macrocopa under different algal densities
Keywords:
Aquatic ecotoxicology, LC₅₀, Life tables, Methyl parathion, Zooplankton.Abstract
Organophosphate pesticides, such as methyl parathion, represent one of the main sources of pollution in freshwater ecosystems, directly affecting the structure and dynamics of zooplankton communities. The toxicity of these compounds can vary depending on their concentration and environmental factors such as food availability. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of methyl parathion on survival and life-history variables of Moina macrocopa under different levels of algal food. Acute bioassays were performed to determine the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) at 24 h, and chronic bioassays were conducted using life tables. Two densities of Chlorella vulgaris (A= 0.5 × 10⁶ and B= 1.5 × 10⁶ cells mL⁻¹) and four concentrations of methyl parathion were used. The following life-table variables were analyzed: age-specific survival (lₓ), age-specific reproduction (mₓ), life expectancy (eₓ), gross and net reproductive rates (R₀), generation time (T), and the intrinsic rate of population increase (r). The LC₅₀ of M. macrocopa was 3.2 × 10⁻³ mg L⁻¹ (log10 C= −2.49) of methyl parathion. The life history variables were significantly affected by methyl parathion concentration (p <0.001). Algal density significantly influenced average lifespan, life expectancy, gross reproductive rate, generation time, and population growth rate. The interaction between food level and toxicant concentration only affected generation time and daily growth rate (p <0.001). The greatest effects on the studied variables were observed at low toxicant concentrations (0.002 mg L⁻¹; log₁₀ C = −2.70) and lower algal density. The increase in algal food density did not mitigate the compound's toxicity, suggesting a direct action of the pesticide on the organisms. These results confirm the high sensitivity of M. macrocopa as a bioindicator organism in ecotoxicological studies.
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