ESST 3103 Task Assignment #3

Table 1 Shows the active ingredients for pesticides, herbicides and household insecticides:
Chemical Active Ingredient
Pesticides
Sevin 85 S Carbaryl 85%
Bright- EC Carbosulfan 25% W/V
Lannate L Methomyl 24% W/V
Fastac 5EC Alpha Cypamethrin 5% W/V
Herbicides
Atrazine 500 FW Atrazine 50% W/V
D’ Paraquat 27% AS Paraquat Dichloride 27.6% W/V
Velpar L Hexazinone 25% W/V
Basagran T&O Sodium salt of bentazone 44% W/V
Household Insecticides
Malathion 57% Malathion 57% W/V
Protox Insecticide Spray Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) 0.60% W/V
Bug Mat Prallethrin 2.2% W/V

Toxicological and Ecological Information of Active Ingredients:

 Carbaryl 85%
Toxicological Information: The effects of carbaryl has been tested in rats and rabbit for different
routes of exposure: orally, ingestion and dermal exposures. This produces minor skin and eye
irritation in rabbits. Ingestion produced an acute toxicity effect with a lethal dosage LD50 of 212
mg/kg in rats. For inhalation at an exposure time of four-hours, the lethal concentration is more
than 5mg/L. In rabbits, exposure through skin has an LD50 of 2000mg/kg. It is classified as
carcinogenic as it produced tumors in the thyroid, kidneys and the cardiovascular system at high
dosages.
Ecological Information: Carbaryl is very toxic to aquatic plants and animals. For fishes,
exposure to carbaryl produced a lethal concentration LC50 of 3.3 mg/L at an exposure time of 96
hours. For aquatic invertebrates, the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) was found to be
0.0164 mg/L at an exposure time of 48 hours. Plants such as algae the EC50 is 1.75mg/L at an
exposure time of 72 hours. Carbaryl rapidly biodegrades and so does not bioaccumulate. (Bayer
2017).
 Carbosulfan 25%
Toxicological Information: The effects were tested on rats and rabbits and it was observed that
the dermal lethal dosage for rabbits is more than 2900 mg/kg while the oral LD50 in rats is 69
mg/kg. The 1-hour LC50 is 2.15 mg/L. Carbosulfan is known to produce decreased transmission
of the neurons in the nervous system which leads to acute effects from over exposure such as
nausea, cramps and weakness.
Ecological Information: This chemical is very toxic to aquatic life with a lethal concentration
(LC50) of 4 µg/l for aquatic fish and birds with 15 mg/kg. In soil, carbosulfan rapidly degrades to
carbofuran with persists in soil for approximately 50 days. (FMC 2004).
 Methomyl 24%
Toxicological Information: Testing have been done on rats and rabbits for the lethal dosage and
concentrations with the routes of exposure being through inhalation, ingestion and dermal
absorption. The oral LD50 is 23 mg/kg and the four inhalation LC50 is 0.258 mg/L. In rabbits the
dermal LD50 is more than 2000mg/kg. Methomyl produced no skin irritations in rabbits, however
it is slightly irritating to the eyes. It is classified as producing no developmental toxicity and it is
neither carcinogenic nor mutagenic.
Ecological information: Methomyl is very toxic to aquatic plants and animals having a LC50 of
0.63 mg/L for fish at 96-hours of exposure. For water fleas, the EC50 is 0.017mg/L. (DuPont
2016).
 Alpha Cypamethrin
Toxicological Information: toxicological effects have been tested on rats; it was found that it
produces no toxic effect on the first contact. However, it can cause very adverse toxic health
effects if ingested and will have moderate toxic effects if inhaled for a short period of time. The
LD50 for oral exposure is more than 200 mg/kg. For the dermal exposure route, the LD50 is more
than 2000 mg/kg and for inhalation at four hours of exposure is 2.0 mg/L. Alpha Cypametrin is
not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic.
Ecological Information: Alpha Cypametrin is very toxic to aquatic plants and animals with an
LD50 of 0.0025 mg/kg at 96 hours of exposure. For aquatic invertebrates an EC50 of 0.0006 mg/L
was determined at 48 hours of exposure. No bio-accumulative data has been established for this
chemical. (Simonis B.V. 2015).
 Atrazine
Toxicological Information: Humans and animals can be exposed to atrazine via three routes;
ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption causing vomiting, nausea and pain in the abdomen.
In rats the oral LD50 is 3090 mg/kg and the 1-hour LD50 by inhalation is greater than 0.7 mg/L. In
rabbits, the dermal LD50 is 7500 mg/kg and more than 3000 mg/kg for rats. Atrazine is not
classified as carcinogenic but can cause chronic toxicity and damages the brain, kidneys, lungs
and liver.
Ecological Information: Atrazine can cause toxic adverse health effects to aquatic organisms as
it is slightly toxic to fish and aquatic plants. It does not bioaccumulate in organisms and is
readily biodegradable in soil and water. (Ospray Pty Ltd 2013).
 Paraquat Dichloride
Toxicological Information: Paraquat dichloride is not classified as carcinogenic however it can
cause irritation to the respiratory tract if inhaled as well as to the skin and eyes on contact. The
acute LD50 (by ingestion) for rats is 150 mg/kg while for humans it is approximately 30 mg/kg.
Ingestion can cause severe health effects when the concentration exceeds this lethal dosage. The
dermal LC50 is approximately 911 mg/kg in rats and 0.5 to 1.5 µg/l by inhalation at four hours.
Ecological Information: Paraquat Dichloride is toxic to aquatic life with a 96-hour LC50 of 55
mg/L in rainbow trout fish by ingestion, 0.34 mg/L for 72-hour LC50 and 262.38 mg/kg for birds
to which it causes the most lethal toxic effects. It is rapidly deactivated in soils and is readily
biodegradable in water bodies.
 Hexazinone 25%
Toxicological Information: Hexazinone can cause skin and eye irritation on contact and can
produce toxic effects if ingested. Toxicological data were obtained from testing rats and rabbits.
The oral LD50 in rats is 4120mg/kg and the four-hour LD50 by inhalation is more than 5 mg/l. The
dermal LD50 is more than 5000 mg/kg and is not classified as carcinogenic.
Ecological Information: Hexazinone is toxic to aquatic plants and animals with a 96-hour LC50 of
more than 300 mg/L for fish. Invertebrates such as the water flea has a 48-hour EC50 of 152 mg/L
and 120 Er50 of 0.022 mg/L for aquatic plants. Hexazinone is rapidly biodegradable and does not
bioaccumulate. (Bayer 2019).
 Sodium Salt of bentazone
Toxicological Information: Liquid bentazone can enter our system through dermal exposure,
ingestion and inhalation. It is non-toxic after inhalation for a short period and moderately toxic
upon ingestion and dermal contact. Toxicological data has been obtained for rats with a dermal
LD50 of 4000 mg/kg while for ingestion it ranges between 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. The four-hour
LC50 by inhalation is 4.8 mg/L. Bentazone is not classified as carcinogenic.
Ecological Information: Bentazone is acutely toxic to aquatic organism with a 96-hour LC50 of
100 mg/L for fish (rainbow trout). For crustaceans, an aquatic invertebrate, the 48-hour EC50 IS
125mg/L. For aquatic plants such as algae, the EC50 at 72 hours of exposure is 33.3 mg/L.
Bentazone is not classified as readily bio-degradable and so can persist in the environment.
(BASF 2014).
 Malathion
Toxicological Information: Malathion is not considered carcinogenic and has can acute LD50 of
550 mg/kg by ingestion in rats. The four-hour LC50 by inhalation is more than 5.2 mg/L. For
rabbits, the dermal LC50 is more than 2000 mg/kg. The possible routes of exposure to malathion
is by ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposure.
Ecological Information: No LC50, LD50, or EC50 values have been established for any organisms.
Malathion is very toxic to aquatic plants and animals as well as bees when feeding off flowering
plants. (Cayman Chemicals 2018).
 Piperonyl Butoxide
Toxicological Information: Piperonyl Butoxide found in aerosols can have three routes of
exposure: by inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption. The oral LD50 for rats is 5630 mg/kg
while for the dermal route, the concentration is more than 2000 mg/kg. No values have been
established for exposure by inhalation. This chemical can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and
the respiratory tract on exposure and is not classified as carcinogenic.
Ecological Information: Piperonyl Butoxide is moderately persistent in the environment and is
toxic to both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The LC50 for freshwater fish at 96 hours of
exposure is 7.07 mg/L and the LD50 of 25 ug/kg for honeybees. (ThermoFisher 2018).
 Prallethrin
Toxicological Information: These effects have not been thoroughly investigated. Data for the
oral LD50 in rats and mice have been studied and was found to be 460 mg/kg and 190 mg/kg
respectively.
Ecological Information: Prallethrin is toxic to the environment especially to aquatic plants and
animals as run off into aquatic water bodies can cause pollution. No LD50, LC50 or EC50 values
have been established for any organism. (Cayman Chemicals 2018).

Table 2 shows the active ingredients of these chemicals and its associated effects on a target
species.
Active Ingredient Research Paper
Pesticides
 Carbaryl Carbaryl Induced Alterations in the Reproduction and Metabolism
of Freshwater Snail Lymnaea Acuminata
Carbosulfan Effects of Chronic Carbosulfan Exposure on Liver Antioxidant
Enzyme Activities in Rainbow Trout
Methomyl Lethal and Sublethal Effects of a Methomyl-Based Insecticide in
Hoplobatrachus Rugulosus
Alpha Cypamethrin Toxic Effect of Alpha Cypermethrin, an Environmental Pollutant,
on Myocardial Tissue in Male Wistar Rats.
Herbicides
Atrazine Effect of atrazine (Herbicide) on blood parameters of common carp
Cyprinus carpio (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes).
Paraquat Dichloride Acute Toxicity, Behavioural Changes and Histopathological Effect
of Paraquat Dichloride on Tissues of Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)
Hexazinone Toxicity of Hexazinone and Diquat to Green Algae, Diatoms,
Cyanobacteria and Duckweed.
Sodium salt of Effects of a low dose of bentazon on spermatogenesis of mice
bentazone exposed during foetal, postnatal and adult life
Household Insecticides
Malathion Malathion Toxicity in Fish – A Review
Piperonyl Butoxide Chronic Toxicity Studies of Piperonyl Butoxide in F344 Rats:
Induction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Prallethrin Prallethrin poisoning: A diagnostic dilemma

Active Ingredient and its effects on target species.

Carbaryl – Target Species: Freshwater Snail (Lymnaea Acuminata)
Carbaryl is toxic to the nervous system of snails as it inhibits Acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme
necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses. This accumulates and so results in twitching of
muscles and can even lead to paralysis and death. The impairment of the nervous system would
then affect the snail’s metabolism and have adverse health effects on its ability to reproduce.
(Tripathi et al 2003).
Carbosulfan – Target Species: Rainbow Trout.
Carbosulfan can have chronic health effects to the liver of rainbow trout. Exposure to sublethal
concentrations can lead to loss of balance and restlessness as well as the inability to feed. A
decrease in liver protein activity can occur after frequent exposure. When these fishes are
exposed to concentrations of 25 ug/L for a period of three weeks, fluids began accumulating in
the liver. The spaces in the tubes for the passage of blood also took an irregular shape, which
restricted blood flow. It was also observed that liver cells became injured which can lead to cell
death and organ failure. (Capkin and Altinok 2013).
Methomyl – Target Species; Chinese Edible Frog.
This chemical produces chronic toxic effects to the liver and kidneys. At lethal and sublethal
concentrations, large vacuoles can form in the cells of the liver as well as disintegration of the
cytoplasm. Methomyl causes oxidative stress which is an imbalance of antioxidants causing
damages to tissues and decreasing the glycogen level which can lead to liver dysfunction. In the
kidneys, the same effect occurs, causing renal tissue damage and changes in the kidneys which
may lead to organ failure in worst cases. (Trachantong et al 2016)
Alpha Cypermethrin – Target Species: Male Wistar Rats
This can cause chronic toxic effects to the cardiovascular system. The major effect is elevated
levels of oxidative stress to the cells of the heart causing damage to DNA and can lead to cell
death. On exposure to Alpha Cypermethrin also increases cholesterol and triglyceride levels
significantly, increasing chances for strokes and heart attack. (Ghazouani et al 2019).
Atrazine – Target Species: Common carp
On exposure at an LC50 of 18.5ppm, the fish began showing changes in behavior such as
increased secretion of mucous, hypersensitivity and violent, fast swimming. Other symptoms are
decreased reflexes, feeding habits and swimming activity. This was due to the inhibition of the
enzyme Acetylcholinesterase which disrupts the normal function of the nervous system. (Ramesh
et al 2009).
Paraquat Dichloride – Target Species: African Catfish
The tissues of African Catfish were tested for the effects of paraquat dichloride (hispathology).
They were exposed to concentrations above the lethal dosage of 1.75mg/L. The tissues in these
fishes did change after intoxication, resulting in the cells of tissues proliferating and the
epithelial cells lifting. These changes brought stress to the catfish causing swimming to be
irregular, stress to the respiratory system which may lead to death. (Ladipo et al 2011).
Hexazinone – Target Species: Green Algae
This chemical inhibits the ability of green algae to uptake carbon in their systems. This can
decrease and prevent photosynthesis from occurring and can lead to death of algae. (Peterson
1997).
Bentazone – Target Species: Mice
This can cause hemorrhaging of the heart when exposed to high dosages of 242 mg/kg. Exposure
to lower dosages causes alteration of the life cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in male mice
which is a tissue responsible for proliferation of germ cells and differentiating into spermatozoa.
(Garagna et al 2005)
Malathion – Target Species: Fish
The effects on malathion on fish includes reduction in hemoglobin and oxygen concentrations in
the blood which can lead to anemia. Behavioral changes can also occur due to malathion
toxicity, which results in impaired nervous system function caused by the inhibition of
acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This causes irregular movements at exposure to high
concentrations, as well as reduced brain activity and damage to organs as it prevents the transport
of hemoglobin and oxygen. It was also observed that changes in the gills and kidneys of fish as
the cell and nuclear volumes changed after being exposed to malathion after one day. (Deka and
Mahanta 2016). Malathion exposure for longer periods also decreases the ability of fish to
consume oxygen.
Piperonyl Butoxide – Target Species: Rats
This causes hemorrhaging in the gastrointestinal system and stomach leading to death if exposed
to concentration of 1.2% over a period. The overproduction of platelets is another effect as well
as the degeneration of the alveoli and the nephrotic toxicity in the kidneys. (Takahashi et al
2002)
Prallethrin – Target Species: Humans
This can cause poisoning in humans by disrupting the sodium channels in the heart leading to a
buildup of fluid in the lungs. The cardiac conductors can also be disrupted which can lead to
heart problems. (Chandra et al 2013).

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