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Published on: May 15, 2017
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Attenuation Effect of Azolla spp. on Lambda-Cyhalothrin Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms
Jezabel Primost1, Marina Solis2, Morena Pantucci Saralegui2
1ILPLA (CONICET-CCT La Plata) - UNLP Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl. A. Ringuelet", Boulevard 120 y 62., 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. jezabel.primost@gmail.com.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|August 1, 2024
Summary
Azolla spp. significantly reduces lambda-cyhalothrin concentration and toxicity in wetlands. This aquatic plant shows potential for mitigating pesticide impacts from agricultural runoff.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Aquatic Ecology
Background:
- Wetlands are vital for ecosystem services, including pollutant removal.
- Agricultural basins face challenges from agrochemical pollution.
- Lambda-cyhalothrin is a common pesticide impacting aquatic ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Azolla spp. in reducing lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity.
- To assess the impact of Azolla spp. on pesticide attenuation in aquatic environments.
- To determine the role of Azolla spp. in mitigating agrochemical loads.
Main Methods:
- Indoor mesocosm experiment comparing vegetated (Azolla spp.) and unvegetated treatments.
- Monitoring lambda-cyhalothrin concentration over time post-application.
- Toxicity tests on fish (Cnesterodon decemmaculatus), macroinvertebrates (Hyalella curvispina), and amphibians (Boana pulchella).
Main Results:
- Lambda-cyhalothrin concentration and toxicity were significantly lower in Azolla spp. treatments.
- Lambda-cyhalothrin half-life reduced from 1.2 to 0.4 days with Azolla spp.
- Lower mortality rates for H. curvispina and C. decemmaculatus observed in vegetated treatments.
- Sublethal effects in B. pulchella were attenuated by Azolla spp.
Conclusions:
- Azolla spp. effectively reduces lambda-cyhalothrin concentration and toxicity.
- Azolla spp. demonstrates potential for farm-scale best management practices.
- This macrophyte can mitigate adverse effects of agricultural pesticide runoff.

