Heavy metal ion toxicity in the freshwater gastropod snail host, Lymnaea luteola.

ABSTRACT

Copper sulphate is in use as the molluscicide since six decades. However, the cidal mechanism involved is not understood. Therefore, the effect of copper sulphate added to the ambient medium at a concentration duration strength of 2 ppm X 6 hr, on the particulate fractions of the digestive gland of the pulmonate gastropod snail. Lymnaea luteola has been elucidated. Parameters such as oxidizing capacity, phosphorylating capacity and respiratory control have been studied. PO and R.C. ratios dropped phenomenally and no uncoupling effect was seen in the presence of PCP in treated snails. These results show that some of the important properties of the particulate preparations have been affected by copperations.