Cell density and chlorophyll A content of Navicula sp. exposed to different concentrations of pesticide cypermethrin

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Fantonalgo Raymund N, Calfaforo CynaE and Escarpe Jerlyn T

University of the East-Manila, Philippines
Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
University of the Philippines Diliman, Philipiness
Western Institute of Technology, Philippines

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Abstract

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Diatoms are considered as the major primary producers in the ocean. Most of the times, these organisms are affected by materials from river run-offs. In this study, the effect of cypermethrin to the cell density and chlorophyll A (chl A) content of Navicula sp. was evaluated. This investigation employed Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) as an experimental design with five treatments. Treatment (T1) (negative control) did not receive experimental pesticide. Treatment two (T2), treatment three (T3) and treatment four (T4) were treated as experimental groups. Two millimeters, one millimeters, and half millimeters were introduced to T2, T3 and T4 respectively in order to come up with 32 mg/L, 16 mg/L, and 8 mg/L respectively. Treatment five (T5) (positive control) received 4.7 mL (328 mg/L) of Chlorpyrifos (Brodan). The chl A content of the diatom was evaluated during spectrometric method and its cell density was determined using the hemacytometer during fourth day of culture. Findings indicated that the chl A and cell density of Navicula sp in experimental treatments and the positive control (Chlorpyrifos) were statistically the same, however; there was significant difference compared to the negative control (distilled water). The reduction in cell density and chl A content was brought by ability of the pesticide to destroy the cell structure of the diatom. Since cypermethrin showed significant reduction in chlacontent and cell density of diatom Navicula sp., proper and careful use of this chemical should be observed in order to prevent from creating harm among the aquatic organisms.

Biography

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Fantonalgo Raymund N served as a Faculty of Natural Sciences, Senior High School Department, College of Education, University of the East-Manila, C M Recto Avenue, Manila, Philippines. His areas of specialization include Ecotoxicology, Algal Natural Products, Phycology, Environmental Issues and Concerns.

Email: moknfantonalgo@yahoo.com.ph