Investigation of acute toxicity of beta-cypermethrin on guppies Poecilia reticulata

Beta-cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide and potential toxic pollutant, contaminating aquatic ecosystems was investigated in the present study for acute toxicity. Guppy fish ( Poecilia reticulata) was selected for the bioassay experiments. The experiments were repeated three times and the 48-h LC 50 was determined for the guppies. The static test method of acute toxicity test was used. Water temperature was regulated at 22±1 °C. In addition, behavioral changes at each beta-cypermethrin concentration were observed for the individual fish. Data obtained from the beta-cypermethrin acute toxicity tests were evaluated using the probit analysis statistical method. The 48-h LC 50 value for guppy was estimated as 21.4 μg/l.