Effect of Ethion on behavioral pattern response in Danio rerio (Zebrafish)

Ethion is an organophosphate insecticide that is commonly used in India, which acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, disrupting the functioning of the nervous system, leading to paralysis and death in lower organisms. It is moderately toxic to humans and animals, harmful to non-target organisms like aquatic life, and raises environmental concerns. Because of this, its use is regulated in many countries. There are many studies being done on other organophosphates, but there are no studies on ethion in zebrafish, and this study reflects the effect of ethion on the behavioral impact on zebrafish.The current experiment was performed to assess the harmful impact of ethion on the non-target aquatic life. The Danio rerio (Zebrafish) was subjected to three sublethal doses, i.e., 0.340 mg/L, 0.476 mg/L, and 0.612 mg/L, at four-time intervals, viz., 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours, for a behavioral abnormalities study. The study revealed that the species is susceptible to ethion and demonstrated behavioral abnormalities. Behavioral abnormalities include surface swimming, secretion of mucus, opercular respiration and frequent gasping with movements, jerky swimming and muscular distress, and bending of the body. The hyperactivity or hypoactivity of fish was dose and time-dependent. At higher concentrations the changes were frequent, and the exposure time had a direct correlation to the abnormal behavior.