Abstract: The leaching of a large amount of pollutants derived from agricultural and domestic activities (fertilizers, pesticides, detergents) might contaminate especially the aquatic environments affecting several non-target aquatic organisms such as crustacean species. The current study aimed to evaluate under laboratory conditions the potential side-effects of novaluron (20% Wettable Powder), a potent benzoylurea derivative insecticide on mosquito larvae, against a non-target shrimp, Palaemon adspersus Rathke, 1837 (Decapoda, Palaemonidae). This species is abundant in the lagoon El-Mellah (Northeast Algeria) and a relatively important species for the local fishery industry. The compound was tested at two concentrations (0.91 mg/L and 4.30 mg/L) corresponding respectively to the LC50 and LC90 determined against fourth-instar larvae of Culiseta longiareolata (Diptera, Culicidae). The newly ecdysed adult shrimps were exposed for 15 days, i.e. stage A until D during a moult cycle. Under normal conditions, changes in hemolymphatic ecdysteroid concentrations during the molting cycle presented a peak at stage D, just before the ecdysis while in the treated series, we note an increase in hemolymphatic ecdysteroid concentrations at stages C and D and an absence of the peak as compared to the controls. Histological observations of integuments revealed that novaluron caused a significant reduction in thickness of the new cuticle at its LC50 and an inhibition of the new cuticle secretion at its LC50. The determination of chitin amounts, showed that exposure of shrimps to novaluron resulted in a significant decrease of values at all molting stages with a dose-response manner in comparison to controls. Thus, the overall data confirm the primary mode of action of novaluron on chitin. This insecticide can present secondary effects on this non-target shrimp species commercially important for the local economy.Abstract: The leaching of a large amount of pollutants derived from agricultural and domestic activities (fertilizers, pesticides, detergents) might contaminate especially the aquatic environments affecting several non-target aquatic organisms such as crustacean species. The current study aimed to evaluate under laboratory conditions the potential side-effec...Show More
