Acute and chronic exposure of the holometabolous life cycle of Aedes aegypti L. to emerging contaminants naproxen and propylparaben

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a class of emerging contaminants commonly detected in environmental waters worldwide. Although reports about their detection in aquatic environments are increasing, limited studies show their effects on holometabolous insects. In this study, acute and chronic exposure to naproxen (0.02, 41, 82,164, 382, 656, and 1312 mg L-1) and propylparaben (0.02, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L-1) were evaluated in Aedes aegypti L. Acute exposure to naproxen (>= 0.02 mg L-1) and propylparaben (>= 0.02 mg L-1) reduced egg eclosion. Propylparaben (>= 250 mg L-1) caused significant larval mortality but naproxen did not even at the highest experimental concentration used. LC50 for naproxen and propylparaben in larvae were 1100 mg L-1 and 182.6 mg L-1, respectively. Naproxen (>= 0.02 mg L-1) and propylparaben (>= 0.02 mg L-1) reduced pupation. Emergence was also reduced by naproxen (>= 164 mg L-1) and propylparaben (>= 0.02 mg L-1). The fecundity of females was significantly reduced due to chronic exposure to naproxen (>= 0.02 mg L-1). There was also a reduction in the fecundity of females due to chronic propylparaben exposure but it was statistically insignificant in the concentrations used. In the F1 generation eggs, only 100 mg L-1 propylparaben reduced eclosion. Eclosion and larval survival were sensitive to acute exposure, particularly to propylparaben. The reduced pupation and emergence indicated a delay in the progression of the life cycle. Chronic exposure also indicated a reduction in fecundity. F1 eggs exhibited tolerance to the negative effect of subsequent exposure. Our findings suggest that propylparaben can affect Ae. aegypti more negatively than naproxen. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.