US EPA

4966307 

Journal Article 

TOXIC EFFECTS OF LEAD ON THE BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF THE HYACINTH WEEVILS NEOCHETINA-EICHHORNAE THROUGH THE TROPHIC LEVELS OF FOOD-CHAIN 

Jamil, K; Hussain, S; Anees, I; Murthy, US 

1995 

Yes 

Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering & Toxic and Hazardous Substance Control
ISSN: 1077-1204 

MARCEL DEKKER INC 

NEW YORK 

30 

9 

1925-1934 

10.1080/10934529509376312 

WOS:A1995TC13600002 

http://://BCI:BCI199698571335
Exit
 

Lead accumulation as determined by Atomic Absorbtion Spectroscopy was found to be higher in the roots than in the aerial parts of the aquatic plant Eichhornia crassipes Mart (Solms). However, Pb accumulation in the leaves of the Eichhornia plants had more significant effects with respect to ecotoxicological studies. The hyacinth weevils Neochetina eichhornae feeding on lead treated plants bioaccumulated about 5-10% of Pb through the trophic levels of food chain. Studies on the biochemical, changes in these insects revealed a drastic decline in the protein content with an increase in the free amino acid pool. The higher activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases implied their role in metal stress conditions. This study demonstrated the biotransfer of a toxic metal Pb from the aquatic environment to the insects via the trophic levels of food chain - a unique model system for ecotoxicological studies. 

LEAD; EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES; WEEVILS; MACROMOLECULES; ENZYMES FOOD CHAIN; ECOTOXICOLOGY