Effects of imidacloprid on viability and hatchability of embryos of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Abstract

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid pesticide used worldwide to control insect pest in rural, urban and agricultural area, where it is contaminating the aquatic ecosystems as a pollutant. The present study was conducted to analyze the toxic effects of imidacloprid on viability, hatchability and survival of embryos and larvae of common carp, Cyprinus carpio under laboratory condition. Eggs of C. carpio were exposed to different sublethel concentrations of imidacloprid. The calculated 48 h LC50 was 78 ppm for the fertilized eggs of C. carpio. Four different sublethal concentration of imidacloprid were selected for experiment {10% (T1), 20% (T2), 30% (T3) and 40% (T4) of LC50)} along with control. The results provide clear evidence that viability of embryos in eggs decreased from 92.33 percent (control) to 61.33 percent (T4). Thus, imidacloprid is a serious water pollutant that may have adverse effect on aquatic ecosystem including reproduction and development of fishes.