Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment




Toxicity of the herbicide glyphosate to non-target species Caenorhabditis elegans


Author(s):

Saleh S. Alhewairini

Recieved Date: 2017-02-10, Accepted Date: 2017-03-21

Abstract:

Glyphosate has been extensively used as a non-selective herbicide agent in several countries. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the ecological effects of glyphosate and its formulations. Previous studies considered that glyphosate is non-toxic to mammals and birds but has a low toxicity for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Thus, recent studies have shown the effects of glyphosate in different aspects. In this study, the effects of glyphosate on Caenorhabditis elegans were investigated by looking at feeding inhibition and the mortality of C.elegans. Obtained results showed that an increase in the (OD) reading is associated with the increase in the concentration of glyphosate. Feeding of worms is almost completely inhibited by glyphosate at 12,000 ppm although glyphosate is clearly becoming toxic, even at 120 ppm. C.elegans mortality was very high (68, 82 and 100%) after exposure to glyphosate at 120, 1200 and 12,000 ppm, respectively. Not only high concentrations (12,000 ppm) but also low concentrations (1.2 ppm) of glyphosate had significant effects in the mortality of C.elegans compared with control. This can be indication of serious environmental impacts of glyphosate to non-target species. It is therefore important to avoid glyphosate reaching seas, lakes and rivers because of its toxicity to aquatic organisms. Workers who will be in direct contact with concentrated product must be protected and follow regulations for its appropriate use.

Keywords:

Glyphosate, C.elegans, environmental, ecosystem, herbicides, free-living nematode


Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2017
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Category: Environment
Pages: 97-101


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