Effect ofCopper sulphate on acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity of earthworm Pheretimaposthuma

ABSTRACT

The utility of biomarkers in earthworm is gradually relevant for the assessment of impact of pesticide in soil organism. Various classes of enzymes are used as biomarkers due to their crucial role in the neuro-cholinergic transmission and in cell homeostasis preventing toxic action of chemicals. In the present study a megascolecid worm Pheretimaposthumahaving approximately equal size (10cm long) and weight (3g) were exposed for 5 days separately to lower (60mg/kg) and higher (150mg/kg) sublethal concentration of Copper sulphate. Significant inhibition in the specific activity of AChE in different body segments (pre- clitellar, clitellar and post-clitellar) of earthworm exposed to Copper sulphate were observed. The decrease in the AChE activity was region wise and in dose dependent manner. The reason for maximum decrease in the AChE activity in pre-clitellar followed by clitellar and post-clitellar regions. Such changes indicate potential health risk to Pheretimaposthumaif exposed to the high concentrations of Copper sulphate in soil.

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