The effect of the insecticide (primicid) On neurosecretory cells of the earthworm aporrectodea caliginosa

Abstract

The effect of the insecticide "Primicid" on the neurosecretory cells of the cerebral ganglion of the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa was studied. The fine changes in the organelles of certain ncurosecrelory cells was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Earthworms kept in soil contaminated with 3% Primicid showed prominent degeneration of ncurosecrelory granules. Less degeneration was observed when 1.5% Primicid was used. This study aims at a comparison with the previous study and to identify the less effective insecticides on the environment. The study confirms that earthworms accumulate a high concentration of insecticides in their bodies and so they may be used as indicators of pollution hazards.