Larvicidal Efficacy of Fe-MOF Nanoparticles Against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) and its Potential Impact on Water Quality

Abstract

This study investigated the potential impact of Fe-MOF (Iron Metal-Organic Framework) on wastewater treatment for disinfection purposes. The morphology, structure and composition of Fe-MOF nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, confirming their high quality and uniformity. The efficacy of Fe-MOF nanoparticles in wastewater treatment was evaluated by analyzing its physico-chemical parameters including heavy metals, in the raw and nano-treated wastewater samples under investigation. Results showed significant improvements in the quality of the treated wastewater, with removal efficiencies up to 82% for turbidity and 95% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), respectively. The study proved that Fe-MOF nanoparticles showed great potential as an effective solution for wastewater treatment and reducing the concentration of pollutants. The susceptibility of the 3rd instar larvae of Culex pipiens to Fe-MOF nanoparticles at different concentrations and time intervals was investigated. The mortality rate of larvae was recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours of exposure at different concentrations of Fe-MOF nanoparticles, and the LC50 and LC95 values were determined. The LC50 values of Fe-MOF nanoparticles at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 93.48, 48.68, and 40.88 ppm, respectively. The LC95 values at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 548.23, 293.23, and 249.28 ppm, respectively. The study found that the toxicity of Fe-MOF nanoparticles on Cx pipiens larvae is concentration-and time-dependent. Additionally, the study focused on comparing the midgut and ovary of untreated Cx. pipiens with those treated with Fe-MOF nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM results showed significant alterations in the midgut and ovarian structures of Cx. pipiens larvae treated with Fe-MOF nanoparticles when compared to the untreated samples. This study showed promising results in the use of Fe-MOF nanoparticles as a promising larvicidal agent for mosquito control, thus it could contribute to integrated vector management programs. It is concluded that Fe-MOF nanoparticles exhibit very important application prospects in environmental and health-related challenges.