The Effects of Imidacloprid on Danio rerio (Zebrafish) Ocular and Osteological Development

Imidacloprid is a common insecticide that acts as a neurotoxin. The application of this pesticide may have long-term effects on ecosystems, especially aquatic biomes. Imidacloprid has a lower toxicity to mammals, but neurotoxic effects have been recorded in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The purpose of this study was to determine the potential neurological and osteological effects of imidacloprid on zebrafish ocular and osteological development. Ocular diameters and ceratohyal cartilage lengths were expected to decrease with increasing imidacloprid concentration. Zebrafish embryos were treated with a low-dose (LD) or high-dose (HD) of imidacloprid starting at 24 hours post-fertilization. After seven days, a relationship was seen between imidacloprid concentration and 1) ocular diameter and 2) ceratohyal cartilage lengths. Imidacloprid exposure delayed both ocular and osteological development during embryonic development in zebrafish. Support or Funding Information Missouri Western State University