TOXIC EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL AND BOTANICAL PESTICIDES ON THE BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS OF ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO)

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxic effect of commercial pesticides, essential oils, and their mixtures, which present pesticide activity against Plutella xylostella, on the behavioral parameters, locomotor activity, and social behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult animals were exposed to commercial pesticides deltamethrin, azadirachtin, chlorantraniliprole, essential oils Eugenia caryophyllus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, Citrus aurantiifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, and Melaleuca leucadendra, and mixtures of the substances. Mortality and behavioral parameters during chronic exposure were evaluated using the instantaneous scan sampling method, and locomotor activity and social behavior were assessed, according to the following parameters: distance covered, average speed, and inactive time. 100% mortality in animals exposed to deltamethrin was observed. Behavioral changes (p < 0.05) were found in foraging, resting, and attacking behaviors. Locomotor activity and social behavior were not affected by exposure. It can be concluded that exposure to commercial pesticides, essential oils, and their mixtures was toxic to zebrafish. Exposure to low concentrations of these pesticides affected the survival and behavior of zebrafish. Although biopesticides are considered safe, they can cause risks to the aquatic environment, and their toxic effects need to be studied to determine their safe use in agricultural activities.