Ecotoxicological assessment of emamectin benzoate on biochemical parameters (glucose and protein) of zebrafish at different environmentally relevant concentrations

Emamectin Benzoate (EMB), a semi-synthetic insecticide is widely used to control lepidopteran pests. However, unregulated use of EMB can pose a risk to non-targeted organisms. The current study is aimed to investigate the long-term exposure of emamectin benzoate on biochemical parameters of zebrafish at different environmentally relevant concentrations. Danio rerio, were exposed to 1.0, 0.1 and 0.05 mg/L of EMB for a period of 35 days and the alterations of glucose level in liver and protein content in the blood samples, gill, liver, brain and muscle tissues were investigated. The results revealed a significant decrease of glucose and protein level in the organ/tissue of EMB treated fish in all the concentrations compared to control group. In the present study, glucose and protein contents were decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The changes in the biochemical constituents can be used as biomarkers for the monitoring of pesticides in the aquatic environment.