Toxicity of Seaweed Extracts to Mosquito Larvae
Author Information
Author(s): Rashed Ahmed A., Heikal Yasmin M., Finn Robert D., Bayoumy Mohamed H., El-Harairy Amged, Refaay Dina A.
Primary Institution: Mansoura University
Hypothesis
Can extracts from the macroalgae Ulva lactuca and Turbinaria ornata effectively kill Culex pipiens larvae?
Conclusion
The methylene chloride extract from Ulva lactuca and the acetone extract from Turbinaria ornata showed effective larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens larvae.
Supporting Evidence
- The methylene chloride extract from Ulva lactuca had the highest toxicity with an LC50 of 30.99 ppm.
- The acetone extract from Turbinaria ornata showed an LC50 of 52.09 ppm after 72 hours.
- Both extracts caused significant DNA damage in mosquito larvae.
- 100% mortality was observed for U. lactuca at concentrations of 150, 200, and 250 ppm.
Takeaway
This study found that certain seaweed extracts can kill mosquito larvae, which could help reduce mosquito populations without harming the environment.
Methodology
The study involved extracting compounds from two types of seaweed and testing their effects on mosquito larvae using various concentrations.
Limitations
The study focused only on specific extracts and did not explore long-term effects or field applications.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website