Effect of endosulfan and parathion on energy reserves and physiological parameters of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio dilatatus.

The in vivo effects of parathion and endosulfan on the isopod Porcellio dilatatus were investigated. Feeding parameters (food consumption and assimilation rates), growth, and energy reserves (glycogen, lipid, and protein contents) of pesticide-exposed isopods were compared with those of control animals. Isopods were exposed to a wide range of concentrations of parathion or endosulfan (0.1, 1, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 microg/g of food) for 21 days. The route of uptake of the pesticides was through the diet (alder leaves). Results revealed that parathion induces a significant depression of glycogen, lipid, and protein contents. However, no significant effect was observed on either feeding parameters or growth. Animals fed endosulfan-contaminated food had smaller amounts of glycogen and lipid than control animals, while protein levels were similar in all treatments. Endosulfan also induced a significant decrease in food consumption and assimilation rates at the highest concentrations tested. Growth rate was also significantly affected by endosulfan. These results suggest that the isopod P. dilatatus is a suitable species for use in toxicity tests and that energy reserves could be used as effect criteria in both laboratory and field studies.