First report on larvicidal potential of zinc sulfide aqua nanoparticles against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus)

Abstract

Background & objectives: Mosquitoes are considered to be the deadliest arthropod-vectors, which cause millions of human deaths globally. Presently, nanotechnology in the field of insect pest management is being explored. The current study deals with the synthesis of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) in aqueous medium and their larvicidal efficacy against Ae. aegypti. Methods: Aqueous zinc sulfide nanoparticles were synthesized by mixing equal quantities of zinc acetate and zinc sulfide solutions by using sonochemical irradiation method. The synthesized NPs were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Larvicidal activity was performed according to WHO protocol and toxicity values were calculated by log-probit technique using POLO software. The morphological alterations between treated and control larvae were observed and compared. Results: TEM studies revealed the average particle size of synthesized nanoparticles to be 19.65 ± 1.08 nm with distorted spherical shape. The mosquito-larvicidal efficacy of ZnS NPs against Ae. aegypti showed maximum lethal effects with the LC 50 and LC 90 values of 4.49 and 15.58 ppm respectively. The morphological analysis of the mosquito larvae treated with ZnS NPs revealed shrunken and darkened body. Interpretation & conclusion: This study suggests that synthesized zinc sulfide aqua nanoparticles have good potential larvicidal properties making them best candidate for Aedes aegypti control.