Comparative Study on the Acute Toxicity of Synthetic Pesticides, Permethrin 25% and Monocrotophos 36%, and Neem-Based Pesticide, Neem Gold EC 0.03%, to Juvenile Cyprinus carpio Linn

Fish and other organisms are affected by pesticides which pollute the natural water through agricultural runoff. The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of botanical pesticide, neem gold, and two synthetic pesticides, permethrin and monocrotophos, which are extensively used in agricultural farms. The mortality rate of Cyprinus carpio was monitored under laboratory conditions for the periods of 96 hrs. The toxicity tests were done separately for each pesticide. Data obtained from the toxicity tests were evaluated using the Probit Analysis Statistical Method. The toxicity tests gave 96 hours LC50 values of 75.49, 72.26, 56.89 mg/l for neem gold, monocrotophos and permethrin respectively. The fish exhibited respiratory distress (such as gasping air), loss of balance and erratic swimming prior to mortality. It could be concluded that the application of neem gold bio-pesticides for the control of unwanted organisms in agricultural farms are much safer and more environmental friendly than synthetic pesticides.