ACUTE TOXICITY OF DETERGENT POWDER TO A FRESH WATER FAUNA

The objective of the present work is to determine the acute toxicity of detergent powders on freshwater fauna. Two different detergent powders, Rin and Aerial, were applied to one species of freshwater fauna, Chironomus larvae, at varying concentrations. The mortality rate was recorded at specific time intervals of 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours to estimate the lethal effects (Ahsanuliah M & et al., 1980 ; Eisler R 1965), . The mortality rates of Chironomus larvae exposed to both Rin and Aerial detergent powders were compared to analyze and determine which detergent exhibited more harmful and detrimental effects on aquatic organisms (Chairns J. Jr. & et al., 1963). This study also aims to predict the extent of ecological damage that could occur if harmful detergent quantities exceed safe levels in aquatic environments (Handerson Pickening H. & et al., 1959) Although the lethal concentration of detergents is lower than that of heavy metals and pesticides, excessive discharge into rivers causes significant harm to aquatic fauna, disrupting ecosystems and resulting in irreparable damage to freshwater sources (Conton J. H. & et al., 1982). Such pollution destroys essential organisms responsible for the self-purification of water bodies (Subramanyan P. U. R. & et al., 1970 ; Olaniya M. S. Saxena & et al., 1976), Understanding these toxic impacts is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate pollution and protect aquatic biodiversity (Wlillbur 1969).