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Similarities and differences between the massive eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) devastations that occurred in Lake
T Bálint1, J Ferenczy, F Kátai
1Bay Zoltán Foundation for Applied Research, Institute for Biotechnology, Szeged, Hungary.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Deltamethrin (DM) insecticide caused significant eel deaths in Lake Balaton by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and damaging tissues. This study highlights the ecological risks of DM, urging caution in its application.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Ecotoxicology
- Aquatic Toxicology
Background:
- Two major eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) die-offs in Lake Balaton (1991, 1995) prompted investigations into their causes.
- These events led to the loss of 300 tons (1991) and 30 tons (1995) of eel populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical changes in eels during mass mortality events.
- To determine the presence and impact of deltamethrin (DM) as a potential ecotoxin.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical analysis of eel blood serum (glucose, AChE, LDH, GOT, GPT).
- Detection of deltamethrin (DM) residues in eel tissues, other aquatic species, and lake sediment.
- Laboratory experiments exposing eels to deltamethrin (DM).
Main Results:
- Deltamethrin (DM) was detected in eels during both die-off events and in other species and sediment in 1995.
- Significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and elevated blood glucose, GOT, and GPT levels were observed in affected eels.
- Laboratory tests confirmed deltamethrin (DM) is lethal to eels at low concentrations (1.0 µg/L).
Conclusions:
- Deltamethrin (DM) is identified as a significant contributing factor to the mass eel devastations in Lake Balaton.
- The study underscores the ecological risks associated with deltamethrin (DM) insecticide use in aquatic environments.
- Findings provide crucial data for assessing the environmental impact and regulating the application of such insecticides.