Acute toxicity of the herbicide karmex (diuron) in Macrobrachium acanthurus and M. olfersii prawns

Farmers have increased the production of food by using chemical substances such as diuron; however, these components affect the water quality and the species found in these ecosystems. Macrobrachium acanthurus and M. olfersii postlarvae present in the estuary of Río Jamapa, Veracruz were collected to measure the LC50 and LD50 using the herbicide Karmex (diuron: (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea [DCMU]). The captures of the prawns were made with light traps. Acute toxicity bioassays were carried out at 96 h to determine the mean lethal concentration (LC50). In the experimental design, a geometric series was used considering the control and five concentrations of the herbicide (1.75, 3.5, 6.99, 14, and 28 mg/L). The data analysis was carried out with the Probit method. A maximum LC50 of 10.233 mg/L and LD50 of 8.221 mg/L of Karmex were obtained for M. acanthurus and a maximum LC50 of 9.242 mg/L and LD50 of 7.504 mg/L of Karmex were obtained for M. olfersii. The average lethal concentration was consistent with those of other crustaceans, such as Artemia salina and Daphnia. Based on the response in the bioassays, Macrobrachium acanthurus and M. olfersii postlarvae can be used in toxicology studies.