The effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a plasticizer used in the manufacture of several industrial and household articles. They get easily released to the environment and may cause adverse effects to living organisms. In this study, effects of DBP on the development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster have been studied. 72 h larvae of D. melanogaster were exposed to 0.25 mL/L, 0.5 mL/L and 1 mL/L DBP. The percentages and times of transition from larvae to pupae and from pupae to adults were determined, and the daily mean egg number was examined using the female offspring, which had been exposed as larvae. No differences were found in the transition percentages from larvae to pupae and from pupae to adults (p > 0.05). It was found, however, that both the mean pupation and the mean maturation time were accelerated with 0.25 mL/L DBP exposures (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that 1 mL/L DBP exposure caused a delay in the mean pupation time (p < 0.05). Also in the 0.25 mL/L exposure group was found a statistically significant decrease in mean fecundity as compared to the control groups (p < 0.05).