Acute exposure of common yabby (Cherax destructor) to the neonicotinoid pesticide

Calypso 480 SC (CAL) is an insecticide containing the active substance thiacloprid (480 g/L) belonging to the family of neonicotinoids. Crayfish represent an important component of aquatic ecosystems and are considered sensitive indicators of water pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute exposure of CAL on common yabby crayfish (Cherax destructor) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mg/L. Crayfish behavior and mortality were monitored daily, and the lethal concentrations (LC0, LC50, LC100) of CAL were evaluated at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h. Three concentrations of CAL (0.1, 1, 10 mg/L) were selected for assessment of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) and antioxidant parameters superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione Stransferase and reduced glutathione in crayfish hepatopancreas, muscle, and gill tissue at the conclusion of the acute test. Differences in behavior of exposed crayfish from controls were observed at concentration >= 5 mg/L of CAL. The 96 h LC50 value for the common yabby was 7.7 mg/L for Calypso 480 SC. The acute exposure showed reduction of the level lipid peroxidation in hepatopancreas in all experimental groups compared with control. The results of antioxidant activity showed a significant change on glutathione S-transferase in tissue of hepatopancreas while no differences were observed on the others antioxidant parameters in crayfish's tissues. The study provides valuable information on effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on a non-target organism, the crayfish, an indicator of pollution and an important element of stable aquatic ecosystems.