Behavioral Biomarker Responses of Filopaludina bengalensis to Acute Copper Toxicity

Abstract

As heavy metals are bioaccumulative and toxic in nature, increasing heavy metal levels in the environment is of great concern. The present study was aimed to assess the acute toxicity effects of copper on some behavioral attributes of Filopaludina bengalensis (locally known as ‘Genri’), a freshwater gastropod, under laboratory condition. Exposure to copper (0.50-2.0 ppm) for 96 h resulted in significant mortality. Recorded LC50 value at 96h was 0.586 ppm. The aggregation tendency, crawling activity and mucus secretion were observed at different exposure period upon acute exposure of copper (0.586 ppm).With the advancement of exposure period, gradual deaggregation was observed in snails of copper treated sets. There was statistically significant difference (P <0.01) in aggregation response and foot protrusion response at different span of exposure in copper treated groups. In copper treated sets, a substantial increase (P<0.01) in mucus secretion (%) was evident with time. Foot protrusion and movement was inhibited in copper treated groups. All three responses in the copper treated groups were significantly different (P <0.01) from that of control groups. The behavioral responses observed in this study of Filopaludina bengalensis could be used as biomarkers for copper contamination in any aquatic ecosystems.