Evaluating the potential of green tea (Camellia sinensis) hydrosol in detoxifying the toxic effects of imidacloprid on zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

This study examines the detoxifying capacity of imidacloprid by green tea (C. sinensis) hydrosol against the toxic effects of imidacloprid on the zebra mussel (D. polymorpha). A widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, is an environmentally hazardous compound with the tendency to bioaccumulate and to be toxic to non-target aquatic organisms. A natural source of these germ fighting (antioxidant, detoxifying) compounds, is green tea hydrosol, which is rich in polyphenols and catechins. Under controlled conditions, zebra mussels were exposed to a range of concentrations of imidacloprid then treated with green tea hydrosol. Analysis was carried out using ELISA of biochemical markers of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde). Mortality rates, as well as behavioral responses and reproductive activity also were monitored. Green tea hydrosol was shown to attenuate imidacloprid induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Enhanced enzymatic activity and decreased malondialdehyde levels were associated with particularly those groups treated with higher hydrosol concentrations. Also, the hydrosol was found to have stimulated reproductive activity and to maintain mussel health without detrimental effects. The results of this research show the capability of green tea hydrosol to act as an eco-friendly detoxifier in the aquatic ecosystem and provides possible replacement in chemical remediation strategies. These findings highlight the need for building natural detoxifiers into the environmental toxicology and the frame work for controlling invasive species.