Effects of long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to thiacloprid: A multibiomarker approach*

Thiacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely exploited in agriculture and easily mobilized towards aquatic environments by atmospheric agents. However, little information about its toxicological effects on aquatic invertebrate bioindicators is available. In this study, specimens of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis were exposed to thiacloprid at environmental (4.5 mu g L-1) and 100 times higher than environmental (450 mu g L-1) concentrations for 20 days. Thiacloprid affected haemolymph biochemical parameters, cell viability in the digestive gland, antioxidant biomarkers and lipid peroxidation in the digestive gland and gills at environmentally relevant concentrations (4.5 mu g L-1). In addition, thiacloprid exposure caused histological damage to the digestive gland and gills. Interestingly, the pesticide was detected at levels equal to 0.14 ng g-1 in the soft tissues of sentinels exposed for 20 days to 450 mu g L-1 thiacloprid in seawater mu. Due to its harmful potential and cumulative effects after long-term exposure of M. galloprovincialis, thiacloprid may pose a potential risk to nontarget aquatic organisms, as well as to human health. This aspect requires further in-depth investigation.

Automated summary

This study found that Thiacloprid affected biochemical parameters, cell viability, antioxidant biomarkers, and lipid peroxidation in Mytilus galloprovincialis, as well as causing tissue damage. Due to its harmful potential and cumulative effects, Thiacloprid may pose a potential risk to nontarget aquatic organisms and human health. Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the extent of this risk.