Investigation of acute toxicity of fenitrothion on guppies Poecilia reticulata

Fenitrothion, an organophosphothionate insecticide (CAS number: 122‐14‐5) and potential toxic pollutant contaminating aquatic ecosystems, was investigated in the present study for acute toxicity. Guppy fish ( Poecilia reticulata ) were selected for the bioassay experiments. The experiments were repeated three times and the 96 h LC 50 was determined for the guppies. The static test method of acute toxicity test was used. The water temperature was regulated at 23 ± 1 °C. In addition, behavioral changes at each fenitrothion concentration were observed for the individual fish. Data obtained from the fenitrothion acute toxicity tests were evaluated using the probit analysis statistical method. The 96 h LC 50 value for guppy was estimated as 3.28 mg l −1 . Values in the range of µg l −1 and mg l −1 have been reported for various other fish species. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.