Acetylcholinesterase activity in the common prawn (Palaemon serratus) contaminated by carbaryl and phosalone: choice of a method for detection of effects.

Organophosphorus compounds and carbamates are pesticides which inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. The toxicity of phosalone and carbaryl was studied for 29 days in the adult common prawn (Palaemon serratus). Induction thresholds for inhibitory effects were determined and the toxicity of these two pesticides was investigated. For monitoring purposes, several methods of assessing the effects of these two pesticides in the marine environment are considered and discussed.