Nikalje_2026_Environ.Toxicol__

In the present study, the sublethal neurotoxic effects of monocrotophos (MCP) were investigated using Caenorhabditis elegans, a reliable and widely accepted model organism for studying neurobehavioral changes and toxicological effects. Wild-type N2 worms at the L4 developmental stage were maintained in liquid culture medium and exposed to various MCP concentrations ranging from 75 to 375 microM for 24 h. Locomotion behavioral analysis was done using ANOVA and regression analyses, which revealed a concentration-dependent alterations in several important locomotory parameters. In brief, significant monotonic reductions were observed in track length (44%-92%), peristaltic track length (38%-91%), straight-line distance (88%), peristaltic speed (35%-90%), turn frequency (34%-98%), center point speed (43%-91%), and directional movement distance. Furthermore, non-monotonic responses were observed in behavioral parameters such as bending amplitude, omega bends (99%-100%), and reversal movements (40%), suggesting complex neurobehavioral effects of MCP. The study results clearly showed that MCP exposure severely impacted the locomotor behavior of C. elegans in a dose-dependent manner. This study underscores the high sensitivity of C. elegans to MCP and highlights its potential ecological risks to non-target soil invertebrates. Additionally, these findings emphasize the need to understand the long-term effects of pesticide-induced neurotoxicity in soil ecosystems. Future studies should focus on the molecular mechanisms, biological response pathways, and potential preventive and mitigation strategies associated with MCP-induced toxicity, to develop effective measures to reduce environmental risks and protect soil biodiversity.