Monocrotophos, Its Toxic Effect (dermal) on Eisenia fetida (Savigny)

Driven by the need to improve productivity and to secure and sustainable global food supply, pesticides are constantly used by farmers. Among the pesticides, Monocrotophos is the most locally popular pesticide used by Indian farmers. Strenuous usage of this pesticide affects the soil dwelling organisms especially the earthworms which are more deleteriously affected. Hence an ecotoxicity study against the pesticide Monocrotophos was performed to determine the dermal toxicity of earthworm Eisenia fetida. The standard paper contact test proposed by OECD (1984) was implemented and histological studies as evidence was performed to prove the effect of Monocrotophos on the tissues of earthworm. The acute dermal toxicity (LC50) of Monocrotophos on the earthworm, Eisenia fetida was determined as 0.0036 μg/cm2. Hence the Monocrotophos was categorized as “Super toxic” to earthworms. The histological studies showed heavy damages on the earthworm tissues such as epidermis, peritoneal epithelium, Chloragogen cells, longitudinal muscles, etc. The study concluded that Monocrotophos is highly toxic to earthworms and furthermore studies on the acute and chronic toxicity with OECD soil is needed to assess the actual effect in soil.