How Synthetic Pyrethroid 1-Trans Phenothrin Affects Freshwater Mussel, Unio delicatus: Biochemical and Histological...

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Aquatic toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• 1-trans phenothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used widely in agriculture and for pest control.
• Freshwater mussels are important indicators of aquatic ecosystem health.
• Pesticide exposure can disrupt physiological processes in aquatic organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biochemical and histopathological effects of 1-trans phenothrin on freshwater mussels (Unio delicatus).
• To assess the toxicity of 1-trans phenothrin by measuring key enzyme activities and cellular responses.

Main Methods:

• Freshwater mussels were exposed to two concentrations of 1-trans phenothrin (81.4 μg/L and 814 μg/L) for 96 hours and 21 days.
• Measurements included total hemocyte counts (THCs), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), Na+/K+-ATPase, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities.
• Histopathological examination of gill and digestive gland tissues was performed.

Main Results:

• 1-trans phenothrin significantly decreased Na+/K+-ATPase and AChE activities in gills and digestive glands.
• TAS levels decreased in gills but increased in digestive glands, while TOS levels increased in both tissues at higher concentrations.
• Histopathological alterations were observed in gill and digestive gland tissues.
• THCs showed transient increases at 96 hours, followed by a decrease at 21 days.

Conclusions:

• 1-trans phenothrin induces significant biochemical and histopathological toxicity in freshwater mussels.
• The study highlights the potential ecological risk of 1-trans phenothrin to aquatic invertebrates.
• Biochemical parameters serve as sensitive indicators of pesticide-induced stress in mussels.