Deformities in chironomid larvae as indicators of pollution (pesticide) stress

Impact of 2,4-D and fipronil on the tropical midge Chironomus sancticaroli (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Increased use of pesticides in conventional agriculture implies potential risks to the environment. In aquatic ecosystems, benthic organisms may be exposed to pesticides via contaminated water and sediment, leading to several potential cascading effects on the food web. The aim of this study was to assess the functional implications of environmental realistic concentrations of the herbicide 2,4-D and the insecticide fipronil (alone and in combination) to the native tropical chironomid Chironomus sancticaroli. These two pesticides are widely applied to different crops and have frequently been detected (together) in surface water bodies in Brazil and elsewhere. Commercial products containing fipronil (Regent® 800WG) and 2,4-D (DMA® 806BR) were evaluated in 8-day toxicity tests for their effects on larval survival, growth (body length and biomass), head capsule width, development, and mentum deformities. Fipronil decreased the larval survival at the highest test concentration and the effective concentrations (EC) after eight days of exposure were: EC₁₀ = 0.48 µg L^-1 (0.395-0.565), EC₂₀ = 1.06 µg L^-1 (0.607-1.513), and EC₅₀ = 3.70 µg L^-1 (1.664-5.736). All sublethal test concentrations of fipronil decreased the larval growth, causing reductions in biomass up to 72%. The two highest test concentrations of fipronil decreased the head capsule width and after exposure to 3.7 µg fipronil L^-1, only half of the larvae reached the fourth instar. The incidence of deformities was increased by fipronil in a concentration dependent manner with an increase ranging from 23% to 75%. The highest test concentration of 2.4-D (426 µg L^-1) decreased the head capsule width, but larval development was unaffected at all concentrations evaluated. In the mixture tests, antagonism was observed at lower fipronil concentrations and synergism at higher fipronil concentrations for growth. The incidence of deformities rose with increasing fipronil concentrations. The results showed that environmental realistic concentrations of fipronil may have serious ecological implications for C. sancticaroli populations and that a mixture with the herbicide 2,4-D can have synergistic effects, potentiating the risks to the aquatic ecosystem.

Potential use of morphological deformities in Chironomus (Diptera: Chironomidae) as a bioindicator of heavy metals pollution in North-East Algeria

Human activities have led to profound changes in aquatic environments and degradation at several levels. Preserving the quality of aquatic environments, their good functioning, and the species that are dependent on them has become a crucial element. In order to monitor the overall health of aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to develop early indicators of environmental quality. In this work, we have tried to evaluate whether the analysis of morphological deformities affecting Chironomidae larvae could tell us about the state of degradation of water courses that are subjected to different discharges. To do this, water, sediment, and larvae of Chironomidae were sampled in dry weather in August-September of 2017 at three sites located in the North-East of Algeria. The heavy metals in the three compartments as well as the deformities affecting the mentum and mandibles of Chironomus were analyzed. The results showed a metal contamination especially in sediments; the highest values were found in Meboujda River and Seybouse River. The three sites have high deformities incidences, more than 33%, which suggests the presence of toxic stress. This study reflected the relationship between heavy metal concentrations in water, sediments, and deformities larval mouthparts (mentum and mandibles) in Chironomus. The use of deformities in Chironomus sp. can serve as an effective tool for bioassessment of freshwater ecosystems.

Prodiamesa olivacea Meigen and Prodiamesa bureshi Michailova (Diptera, Chironomidae, Prodiamesinae) as a candidate for assessing the genotoxicity of trace metals in fluvial sediments

The genome response, realized by structure chromosome rearrangements in the polytene chromosomes of two sibling species Prodiamesa bureshi Michailova and Prodiamesa olivacea Mg., was studied. The larvae of the species were collected in May and September, 2016, from Biała Przemsza River, a metal-mine-affected site in southern Poland, where Zn, Cd, and Pb concentrations in the sediment exceeded many times the reference data and those from unpolluted sites. The water had high contents of different major ions and nutrients. A high spectrum of somatic chromosome aberrations was detected in the salivary gland chromosomes of both species, which defined a high somatic index (from 1.2 to 7), indicating the sensitivity of both genomes to anthropogenic stress. The cells with somatic rearrangements of both species were significantly higher (P. bureshi: G = 25.636, P < 0.001 May, G = 32.722, P < 0.001 September; P. olivacea: G = 47.863, P < 0.001 May, G = 38.742, P < 0.001 September) than the control. Both species from polluted and unpolluted sites showed a high frequency of ectopic conjugations, as between arms B, CD (centromere regions), and E (NOR). Some deformities of mentum and mandibles of P. bureshi (20%) and P. olivacea (35%) were detected. We postulate that the appearances of somatic chromosome aberrations are more sensitive indicators of genotoxicity in the studied species than changes in external morphology. The sensitivity of the P. olivacea and P. bureshi genomes shows that these species are good candidates for detecting the presence of genotoxic compounds in aquatic basins and evaluating their genotoxic effects.

Lethal and sublethal effects of metal-polluted sediments on Chironomus sancticaroli Strixino and Strixino, 1981

The Cantareira Complex is one of the most important water supplies of the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. Previously, it was demonstrated that the sediments in this complex were polluted with metals and that Paiva Castro Reservoir-the last reservoir in the sequence, which receives water from the five previous reservoirs-was the reservoir with the greatest concentration of pollutants. Based on field data, it was noticed that copper concentrations in sediments were related to morphological alterations in chironomids. The present study provides novel monitoring methods and results for the complex by isolating the environmental and biological sources of variation. An adaptation of the in situ assay proposed by Soares et al. (Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 49:163-172, 2005), which uses a native tropical Chironomus species and low-cost materials, is also provided. The aim of this study was to isolate the effects of sediments from Paiva Castro on controlled populations of C. sancticaroli larvae using an in situ assay. A seven-day experiment was performed in triplicate. Third instar larvae were inoculated in chambers containing sediments from two distinct regions of Paiva Castro reservoir and a control site with sand. Five biological responses were considered: mouthpart alterations, larval length, width of cephalic capsule, mortality and total damage. The results suggest the effects of sediment toxicity on larvae include a reduction in length and a higher occurrence of total damage.

Responses of macroinvertebrate communities to pesticide application in irrigated rice fields

The ability to recover to original states after disturbances makes macroinvertebrates useful tools for assessing the impacts of pesticides. Many studies showed that direct exposure to pesticides decreases macroinvertebrate richness and alters their composition. The main objective of this study was to assess recovery patterns in macroinvertebrate communities after pesticide application in irrigated rice fields. We analyzed short-term temporal dynamics of macroinvertebrate communities after application of the herbicides bispyribac-sodium and clomazone and the insecticide chlorantraniliprole, over the rice-growing season in southern Brazil. We selected three conventional rice fields and the recovery of macroinvertebrate communities was also compared with three adjacent natural ponds. The study was developed from November 2011 to February 2012 (rice-growing season). Five macroinvertebrate collections were carried out 3, 7, 14, 38, and 60 days after pesticide application (November 25). Rice fields showed lower richness and abundance than ponds in the period immediately after pesticide application, and recovery rates in the richness of macroinvertebrate communities were more conspicuous as pesticide residuals dissipated from the fields. Macroinvertebrate community structure in rice fields also became more similar to natural ponds as pesticide traces were scarcer. However, macroinvertebrate abundance patterns were not related to pesticide concentrations in the fields. Our results supported the general hypothesis on the negative effects of pesticide application on macroinvertebrate community in irrigated rice fields, although other environmental features (e.g., length of the flooded period) also contributed to explain temporal dynamics in the macroinvertebrate communities from irrigated rice fields.

Increase in developmental instability in a field-collected Chironomus population maintained under laboratory conditions

In order to be a relevant indicator of exposure towards teratogenic stressors, morphological defects should not be passed on to the next generation. In this study, we compare morphological variations in Chironomids collected from a contaminated river stretch with those of their progeny, reared in uncontaminated sediment under laboratory conditions. We focused on mentum defects (deformities, fluctuating asymmetry and mean shape change), measured by geometric morphometrics. We observed no significant variation in deformity rate between the parental generation and its progeny. On the contrary, we observed a significant increase in fluctuating asymmetry and a significant decrease in mentum centroid size in the offspring. Our results suggest that shape defects are not caused by direct exposure to teratogenic stressors alone. We propose four hypotheses to explain this: (a) teratogenic contaminants are present in egg-clutches, (b) contaminants at the sampling site have mutagenic effects, (c) costs of tolerance, and (d) contamination-induced genetic impoverishment.

A rapid method of species identification of wild chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) via electrophoresis of hemoglobin proteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE)

Studying aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs) in the field requires accurate taxonomic identification, which can be difficult and time consuming. Conventionally, head capsule morphology has been used to identify wild larvae of Chironomidae. However, due to the number of species and possible damage and/or deformity of their head capsules, another supporting approach for identification is needed. Here, we provide hemoglobin (Hb) protein in hemolymph of chironomids as a new biomarker that may help resolve some of the ambiguities and difficulties encountered during taxonomic identification. Chironomids collected from two locations in Maine and New Jersey, USA were identified to the genus level and in some cases to the species-level using head capsule and body morphologies. The head capsule for a particular individual was then associated with a corresponding Hb protein profile generated from sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Distinct Hb profiles were observed from one group (Thienemannimyia) and four genera (Chironomus, Cricotopus, Dicrotendipes, and Glyptotendipes) of chironomids. Several species were polymorphic, having more than one Hb profile and/or having bands of the same size as those of other species. However, major bands and the combination of bands could distinguish individuals at the genus and sometimes species-level. Overall, this study showed that Hb profiles can be used in combination with head capsule morphology to identify wild chironomids.

Deformities of chironomid larvae and heavy metal pollution: from laboratory to field studies

Mouthpart deformities of Chironomus riparius larvae (Diptera) have been investigated to evaluate the toxic effects of contamination by heavy metals in the Genna Stream (Central Italy), situated in an area subjected to intensive swine farms (40000 heads). The livestock farming (fertirrigation) contributes to metal pollution of the Genna Stream with an increase of copper, zinc, cadmium, chromium and nickel in the sediments of the downstream stations. The incidence of mentum deformities was very high at all sampling stations, about 56%. The highest values of deformities were found in the intermediate river reach (St. 3: 65%) and in March (66%), mainly due to an increase in severe deformities. The high incidence of severe deformities (30%) is attributed to the high pollution level by heavy metals in the sediments, in particular to copper and zinc, which showed the highest average value at St. 3 and in March. This field study reflected the relationships between sediment metal concentrations and chironomid mouthpart deformities, previously observed in laboratory tests, and highlighted these deformities as toxicity endpoints. This feature paves the way for their use as an effective tool in freshwater bioassessment monitoring programs to evaluate the toxic effects of metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems.

Induction of mouthpart deformities in chironomid larvae exposed to contaminated sediments

The aim of the present study was to improve the cause-effect relationship between toxicant exposure and chironomid mouthpart deformities, by linking induction of mouthpart deformities to contaminated field sediments, metal mixtures and a mutagenic polycyclic aromatic compound metabolite (acridone). Mouthpart deformities in Chironomus riparius larvae were induced by both the heavy metal mixture and by acridone. A clear correlation between metal concentrations in the sediment and deformities incidence was only observed when the contaminated field sediments were left out of the analysis, probably because these natural sediments contained other toxic compounds, which could be responsible for a higher incidence of deformities than predicted by the measured metal concentrations only. The present study clearly improved the cause-effect relationship between toxicant exposure and the induction of mouthpart deformities. It is concluded that the incidence of mouthpart deformities may better reflect the potential toxicity of contaminated sediments than chemical analysis.

Structural changes in freshwater fish and chironomids exposed to bacterial exotoxins

Mass fish mortalities have been reported in the past decade from British waters, often coinciding with blooms of filamentous actinobacteria, particularly strains of Streptomyces griseus. The present study has shown that some fractions of the exudate of S. griseus, prepared after a series of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) separations, and analysed with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), induced pathological changes to the gills of carp and/or tench fry following exposure under laboratory conditions up to 96 h Similar changes were induced by streptomycin, a secondary metabolite of S. griseus, and these included loss of microridging and fusion of secondary lamellae, with carp fry in the case of the exudate of S. griseus being more sensitive than tench fry, especially with exposure to fraction 9 and selected sub-fractions of 9. Some deformities using a severity index were also observed in the head capsule of larvae of the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius, including loss and splitting of teeth on the mentum. The results are discussed in relation to further identification of metabolites derived from samples of the organic filtrate of S. griseus and implications for the functioning of freshwater ecosystems.

Evaluation of mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. (Chironomidae: Diptera) larvae using modified toxic score index (MTSI) to assess the environmental stress in Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysia

Morphological mentum deformities which represent sublethal effect of exposure to different types of pollutants were evaluated in Chironomus spp. larvae inhabiting three polluted rivers of Juru River Basin in northwestern peninsular Malaysia. Using mentum deformity incidences, the modified toxic score index (MTSI) was developed based on Lenat's toxic score index (TSI). The suggested MTSI was compared with TSI in terms of its effectiveness to identify different pollutants including heavy metals. The MTSI showed stronger relationship to total deformity incidence expressed as percentage. Additionally, the multivariate RDA model showed higher capability of MTSI to explain the variations in heavy metal contents of the river sediments. The MTSI was recommended in bioassessment of water and sediment quality using the mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. larvae from aquatic ecosystems receiving anthropogenic, agricultural, or industrial discharges.

Sediment toxicity and deformities of chironomid larvae in Lake Piediluco (Central Italy)

The chemical analysis of the bottom sediments of the Lake Piediluco (Central Italy) has been carried out in order to individuate the potential correlation between the sediment toxicity and the high incidence of mouthpart deformities in chironomid larvae (biological indicators) found in this lake. The environmental contamination has been analyzed by determining the concentrations of the main heavy metals (lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, zinc and nickel), and the concentrations of organic compounds of anthropic source: PAHs, NPPs and OCPs. Heavy metals concentrations have pointed out a non-elevated contamination grade for the Lake Piediluco. The highest level of metals has been detected in the western area that feels the effect of the continuous tributaries incoming load. Also, concerning PAHs, NPPs and OCPs the lake does not present high values of pollution. The highest concentrations of the organic toxicants has been observed in the eastern sector of the lake, which presents typical lentic characteristics. A clear relationship has not found between the toxic substances present in the lacustrine sediments and the deformities incidence for chironomid larvae, which represent an index of environmental alteration. Probably, the mouthpart deformities found in the chironomid larvae of Chironomus plumosus are affected by a synergic action due to the whole toxic mixture present in the sediments of the Lake Piediluco.

Morphological deformities in Chironomus spp. (Diptera: Chironomidae) larvae as a tool for impact assessment of anthropogenic and environmental stresses on three rivers in the Juru river system, Penang, Malaysia

Morphological deformities in parts of the head capsule of Chironomus spp. larvae inhabiting three polluted rivers (Permatang Rawa [PRR], Pasir [PR], and Kilang Ubi [KUR]) in the Juru River Basin, northeastern peninsular Malaysia, were studied. Samples of the fourth-instar larvae at one location in each river were collected monthly from November 2007 to March 2008 and examined for deformities of the mentum, antenna, mandible, and epipharyngis. At each sample location, in situ measurements of water depth, river width, water pH, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature were made. Samples of river water and benthic sediments were also collected monthly from each larval sample location in each river and taken to the laboratory for appropriate analysis. Total suspended solids (TSSs), ammonium-N, nitrate-N, phosphate-P, chloride, sulfate, and aluminum content in water were analyzed. Total organic matter and nonresidual metals in the sediment samples were also analyzed. Among the three rivers, the highest mean deformity (47.17%) was recorded in larvae collected from KUR that received industrial discharges from surrounding garment and rubber factories, followed by PRR (33.71%) receiving primarily residues of fertilizers and pesticides from adjacent rice fields, and PR (30.34%) contaminated primarily by anthropogenic wastes from the surrounding residential areas. Among the various head capsule structures, deformity of the mentum was strongly reflective of environmental stress and amounted to 27.9, 20.87, and 30.19% in the PRR, PR, and KUR, respectively. Calculated Lenat's toxic score index satisfactorily explained the influence of prevailing environmental variables on the severity of mentum deformities. Redundancy analysis and forward selection selected TSSs, sediment Zn, Mn, Cu, and Ni, and water pH, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, total organic matter, nitrate-N, chloride, phosphate-P, ammonium-N, sulfate, and aluminum as parameters that significantly affected some proportion of deformities. The total deformities correlated closely with deformities of mentum but only weakly with deformities in other parts of head. The total deformity incidence was strongly correlated with high contents of sediment Mn and Ni. The mentum and epipharyngis deformities incidence was highly correlated with an increase of TSSs, total aluminum, and ammonium-N and a decrease in pH and dissolved oxygen.

Field studies on exposure, effects, and risk mitigation of aquatic nonpoint-source insecticide pollution: a review

Recently, much attention has been focused on insecticides as a group of chemicals combining high toxicity to invertebrates and fishes with low application rates, which complicates detection in the field. Assessment of these chemicals is greatly facilitated by the description and understanding of exposure, resulting biological effects, and risk mitigation strategies in natural surface waters under field conditions due to normal farming practice. More than 60 reports of insecticide-compound detection in surface waters due to agricultural nonpoint-source pollution have been published in the open literature during the past 20 years, about one-third of them having been undertaken in the past 3.5 years. Recent reports tend to concentrate on specific routes of pesticide entry, such as runoff, but there are very few studies on spray drift-borne contamination. Reported aqueous-phase insecticide concentrations are negatively correlated with the catchment size and all concentrations of > 10 microg/L (19 out of 133) were found in smaller-scale catchments (< 100 km2). Field studies on effects of insecticide contamination often lack appropriate exposure characterization. About 15 of the 42 effect studies reviewed here revealed a clear relationship between quantified, non-experimental exposure and observed effects in situ, on abundance, drift, community structure, or dynamics. Azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, and endosulfan were frequently detected at levels above those reported to reveal effects in the field; however, knowledge about effects of insecticides in the field is still sparse. Following a short overview of various risk mitigation or best management practices, constructed wetlands and vegetated ditches are described as a risk mitigation strategy that have only recently been established for agricultural insecticides. Although only 11 studies are available, the results in terms of pesticide retention and toxicity reduction are very promising. Based on the reviewed literature, recommendations are made for future research activities.

Exposure to 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A--effects on larval moulting and mouthpart structure of Chironomus riparius

The effects of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE) and bisphenol A (BPA) on the development of the aquatic life-cycle stages (eggs to pupa) of Chironomus riparius were investigated. The test species was exposed to sublethal concentrations of EE and BPA (10 ng/L-1mg/L) and effects on larval weight and moulting success were recorded. In addition, three mouthpart structures (mentum, mandibles, and pecten epipharyngis) present on the head capsules of fourth-instar larvae were examined for structural deformities. Moulting was delayed and larval wet weight significantly reduced (P<0.05) at the highest treatment concentration (1mg/L) of both chemicals. No significant effect on either of these parameters was noted in the remaining treatments. However, deformities in the mouthparts of C. riparius were observed at very low exposure concentrations (10 ng/L), although the incidence of deformities was greater in the chironomids exposed to EE than BPA. Effects were mainly associated with the mentum, with statistically significant differences in median deformity score (Kruskal-Wallis P<0.001) recorded for both chemicals. At similar effect concentrations, an increased percentage of exposed animals had deformities of the pecten epipharyngis; however, little evidence of deformity was noted for the mandibles. At high concentrations, where moulting and wet weight were affected, no incidence of mouthpart deformity was noted. The relevance of these results in relation to the identification of an "endocrine-sensitive" endpoint for invertebrates is discussed.

Exposure of Chironomus riparius larvae to 17alpha-ethynylestradiol: effects on survival and mouthpart deformities

Evidence from field studies shows that mouthpart deformities in chironomid larvae are a sublethal response to pollution. Interest has been shown to use this end-point in programs for monitoring sediment quality. During laboratory studies, however, deformities were induced in only a few single pollutant exposures. These deformities develop at the endocrine regulated molting stage and disruption of this complex process is likely at the base of their ontogeny. Aiming to clarify the processes involved in the rise of such deformities, we tested the effects of ethynylestradiol (EE2) in an in vivo lab study. Chironomus riparius larvae were exposed to 1, 10 and 100 microg l(-1) EE2 (nominal concentrations). No adverse effects on the larvae, for the investigated end-points (survival and deformity induction), were found.

Induction of mouthpart deformities in Chironomus riparius larvae exposed to 4-n-nonylphenol

Chironomid mouthpart deformities have often been associated with sediment contamination and are, therefore, currently used to assess sediment quality. Deformities were only occasionally induced in laboratory bioassays. Mouthpart deformities results from a physiological disturbance during larval molting. In the past few years it has been shown that some chemicals can exert negative effects on both vertebrates and invertebrates at the level of endocrine regulation. As insect molting is hormonally regulated, we wanted to test the hypothesis that deformities are induced due to a hormonal disruption in the developmental process. The aim of the present study was to test whether the endocrine disrupter, 4-n-nonylphenol (4NP), induces mouthpart deformities in chironomids. A laboratory bioassay was performed exposing Chironomus riparius larvae to 10, 50 and 100 micrograms l-1 4NP. Survival of the larvae was not affected by the tested concentrations, but the frequency of mentum deformities increased significantly (P < 0.01) after exposure to 4NP.

Exposure of Chironomus riparius larvae (diptera) to lead, mercury and beta-sitosterol: effects on mouthpart deformation and moulting

Mouthpart deformation in chironomid larvae is induced by exposure to chemical contaminants and is becoming an established bio-indicator in sediment assessment programmes. However, concentration-response relationships with causal agents have only been established occasionally and with varying success. In this laboratory study, instar II and III larvae were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of lead, mercury and beta-sitosterol. A significant deformation response was induced in the pecten with lead and mercury. Deformation frequencies of the mentum after metal exposures were not significantly different from the control. Moulting was retarded by both metals and was well correlated with mouthpart deformation. The beta-sitosterol is an endocrine disruptor, which was used to test the hypothetical cause-effect relation between disruption of ecdyson functioning and chironomid deformation. In the present study, exposure to sublethal concentrations of beta-sitosterol did not result in any effect on deformation or moulting. As such, the proposed hypothesis of endocrine disruptors as primary causal agents of chironomid deformation could not be substantiated. Acetone, which was used as a solvent to apply beta-sitosterol caused a significant increase of mentum deformation. The ground filtration paper used as substrate seemed to induce deformities as well. Substrate contamination, acetone and (especially) inbreeding were most probably responsible for the high deformation frequencies in the control conditions.

The use of chironomid deformation in an in situ test for sediment toxicity

An in situ bioassay using mouthpart deformities in Chironomus riparius larvae was developed to monitor sediment toxicity. Second-instar larvae, along with a standardized amount of food and sediment taken from the study locations, were enclosed in cages that were placed on the sediment surface of rivers. Mouthpart deformities were screened after larval molting to the fourth instar (exposure time: 7-10 days). Mouthpart deformities of caged and field larvae (when present) were related to the estimated sediment toxicity. By summing toxicant concentrations and normalizing them to the organic matter and clay contents, a significant relationship between toxicity levels and mouthpart deformities in the mentum was revealed. Results suggest that the pattern of observed deformities was indicative of site toxicity rather than a characteristic of the laboratory larval population used. The main advantage of the proposed in situ bioassay is the possibility to assess the incidence of deformities at sites where C. riparius does not occur naturally.