Evaluation of the toxicity of organic matter in marine sediments

Abstract

The inhibitory effects of the organics from the sediment along the east coast of India on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in-vitro were evaluated. Sediment samples collected from the surface layers at various depths were extracted. Each of the extracts was concentratEd. by evaporation under reduced pressure below 40 degrees C using a K.D. concentrator. I50 values of the extracts were determined. A strong inhibition of AChE was observed in the samples collected from the Hooghly and the Mahanadi estuarine regions. The variation of the inhibition of AChE is attributed to the presence of the residues of various neurotoxic substances in the sediment contaminatEd. by the river runoff as well industrial effluents and sewage.