Insight into the toxic effects, bioconcentration and oxidative stress of acetamiprid on Rana nigromaculata tadpoles

Pesticide pollution has been identified as a factor in the amphibian population decrease. Acetamiprid is a common neonicotinoid pesticide that poses a risk to amphibians due to its high water solubility and inability to be digested. However, there is little research on acetamiprid's toxicity in amphibians, particularly on its biochemical toxic effects. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity, bioenrichment-elimination, biochemical parameters and metabolism of acetamiprid in Rana nigromaculata tadpoles. The results indicated that acetamiprid is harmful to Rana nigromaculata tadpoles, with an LC50 = 18.49 mg L-1 of 96 h for acute toxicity. Acetamiprid showed rapid accumulation and low bioconcentration levels in tadpoles, with bioconcentration factors (BCFs) < 1. In the elimination process, the concentration of acetamiprid decreased rapidly, with the elimination half-life t(1/2) values < 1 d. Additionally, oxidative stress was observed in tadpoles, with biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) being significantly altered. Nontargeted metabolomics revealed significant changes in biomolecules such as lipids, organic acids and nucleotides in tadpoles, and these metabolites influence pathways including serine and threonine metabolism, histidine metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. These results indicate that acetamiprid caused toxic effects on Rana nigromaculata tadpoles. Our study provides a better understanding of the fate and risk of acetamiprid in amphibians, as well as guidelines for its rational use.

Automated summary

Acetamiprid has harmful effects on Rana nigromaculata tadpoles, with acute toxicity and rapid accumulation. The study also reveals oxidative stress and significant changes in metabolites.