Uptake, elimination and biochemical effects of azadirachtin and tebufenozide in algae

Abstract

Effects of azadirachtin (isomer A, AZ‐A) and tebufenozide (TF) on freshwater algae were investigated using indoor aquatic microcosms. AZ‐A and TF were dosed at different concentrations to 10‐L microcosms. Chlorophyll and protein contents of the algae, and the concentrations of the insecticides in water and algae were monitored at intervals of time up to 20 d. Chlorophyll and protein contents in algae were inhibited at treatment levels of 3.0 and 4.5 μg AZ‐A/mL, whereas at 1.5 μg/mL, the chemical stimulated the chlorophyll production. The partition of AZ‐A between water and algae was reversible, and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was low. In contrast, TF dosed at 0.25 to 0.75 μg/mL stimulated algal growth, probably due to its utilization of carbonaceous and nitrogenous intermediates and other breakdown products of TF as nutrients. The BCF was high and the organism functioned as a sink for the chemical. Extension of the laboratory findings to complex outdoor systems are discussed.