Related Experiment Videos
The molluscicidal activity of N-tritylmorpholine
Abstract:
N-Tritylmorpholine (Frescon, WL 8008) is highly toxic to the intermediate-host snails of the Schistosomatidae. Molluscicidal concentrations range from 0.1 ppm to 0.5 ppm for 1-hour exposures and from 0.01 ppm to 0.05 ppm for 24-hour exposures. Under these conditions the compound is not toxic to snail eggs; recent work, however, shows that longer exposures are toxic. It has been successfully used to control snails in large-scale trials in several countries with very short exposures (4 ppm for 15 min), as well as in prolonged treatments (0.025 ppm for 16 days).These treatments have remarkably little effect on other forms of aquatic life; plants, insects and the microfauna and flora are unaffected, and in certain circumstances it has proved possible to control snails without harming fish populations. A detailed study of the toxicology of N-tritylmorpholine in mammals has shown that it does not present any toxic hazards.N-Tritylmorpholine can be formulated in a variety of ways, e.g., as emulsifiable concentrates, water-dispersible powders and granules, as well as some specialized types of formulations, such as baits and spreading oils. Laboratory and field studies have shown that environmental factors such as mud, light and vegetation have little effect on the performance of N-tritylmorpholine, but hydrolysis and loss of activity may occur in acid water.
Insights
N-Tritylmorpholine effectively controls intermediate-host snails of Schistosomatidae at low concentrations. This molluscicide shows minimal impact on other aquatic life and mammals, offering a safe and effective solution for snail control.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Pest Management
- Aquatic Ecology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease transmitted by freshwater snails.
- Effective control of intermediate-host snails is crucial for schistosomiasis prevention.
- N-Tritylmorpholine (Frescon, WL 8008) is a known molluscicide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of N-Tritylmorpholine as a molluscicide.
- To determine toxicological profiles in target and non-target organisms.
- To assess the impact of environmental factors on molluscicide performance.
Main Methods:
- Determining lethal concentrations (LC50) for snails under varying exposure times.
- Assessing toxicity to snail eggs, fish, aquatic plants, insects, and microfauna/flora.
- Conducting large-scale field trials with different application methods.
- Evaluating mammalian toxicology and formulation types.
Main Results:
- N-Tritylmorpholine exhibits high toxicity to intermediate-host snails (0.01-0.5 ppm).
- Snail eggs are not affected by short exposures, but longer exposures are toxic.
- Treatments show minimal adverse effects on fish, plants, insects, and microorganisms.
- Mammalian toxicology studies indicate no significant hazards.
- Effective snail control achieved with short (4 ppm, 15 min) and prolonged (0.025 ppm, 16 days) exposures.
Conclusions:
- N-Tritylmorpholine is a highly effective molluscicide for controlling snail intermediate hosts.
- Its selective toxicity profile makes it safe for non-target aquatic organisms and mammals.
- Environmental factors have minimal impact, though acid water may reduce efficacy.
- N-Tritylmorpholine offers a viable and safe strategy for schistosomiasis vector control programs.