Effects of acute sodium nitrite and nitrate on the development of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) are used as food preservatives. In addition to teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects, these products are also thought to have endocrine disrupting effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) on the development of Drosophila melanogaster. Third instar larvae of Canton S strain (wild type) were treated to 25 mM, 50 mM, 75 mM NaNO2, and NaNO3 for 6 hours. The pupation and maturation percentages and times were determined. There was no significant difference in the percentage of pupation and maturation compared to the control group (p>0.05). However, 50 and 75 mM NaNO2 exposures caused developmental delay in both the mean pupation and the mean maturation times (p<0.05). Additionally, it was found that mean maturation time was delayed with 50 and 75 mM NaNO3 exposures (p<0.05).