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Selenium biotransformations in an insect ecosystem: effects of insects on phytoremediation.

Danel B Vickerman1, John T Trumble, Graham N George

  • 1Department of Entomology, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA. danel.vickerman@ucr.edu

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The wasp parasitoid Cotesia marginiventris can help control beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) in selenium-contaminated soils. This insect aids phytoremediation by transforming selenium and releasing volatile forms.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Bioremediation

Background:

  • Selenium contamination poses risks to soil ecosystems.
  • Higher trophic levels, like insects, can influence phytoremediation processes.
  • Understanding selenium's impact on insect behavior and development is crucial for effective soil remediation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of selenium on the behavior, survival, and development of the parasitoid wasp Cotesia marginiventris.
  • To analyze selenium chemical forms in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), and C. marginiventris.
  • To assess the potential of C. marginiventris in selenium phytoremediation.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine selenium chemical forms in M. sativa, S. exigua, and C. marginiventris.
  • Rearing C. marginiventris on S. exigua fed on selenium-treated M. sativa.
  • Observing parasitoid behavior, survival rates, and developmental parameters.

Main Results:

  • Alfalfa transformed selenate into organoselenium; S. exigua absorbed organoselenium from alfalfa.
  • C. marginiventris contained organoselenium, with evidence of detoxification via methylation and volatilization (trimethylselenonium-like species).
  • Parasitoids did not avoid selenium-contaminated hosts, but later emergence and reduced pupal weight were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Cotesia marginiventris can be utilized to manage Spodoptera exigua in selenium-contaminated soils, enhancing phytoremediation.
  • The presence of C. marginiventris may improve phytoremediation by increasing selenium biotransformation and volatile release.
  • Parasitoid detoxification mechanisms are key to their role in selenium-contaminated environments.