Assessing the Comparative Toxicity of Salvia Officinalis Extracts and Copper Sulphate on Melanopsis Nodosa, a Freshwater Snail

Abstract

This study investigates the molluscicidal properties of Salvia officinalis extracts against Melanopsis nodosa snails, with a focus on environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical molluscicides. Melanopsis nodosa, a common freshwater snail in Iraq, is an intermediate host for diseases affecting humans and animals. Traditional molluscicides, such as copper sulphate, pose environmental and non-target organism risks. S. officinalis, known for various medicinal uses, was explored for its potential molluscicidal activity. Snails were collected from Muhyii Canal, Baghdad, and exposed to different concentrations of S. officinalis extracts and copper sulphate in controlled laboratory conditions. The study evaluated mortality rates at 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hours exposure, using the WHO method for molluscicide testing and Probit analysis for mortality calculation. Results showed significant molluscicidal activity of S. officinalis extracts, with the LC50 values of 15.53 ppm (24 hrs), 6.821 ppm (48 hrs), 4.288 ppm (72 hrs), and 0.0735 ppm (96 hrs). Compared to copper sulphate, the extracts were less effective but still significant, indicating the potential of S. officinalis as an environmentally friendly molluscicide. This study contributes to the search for safer molluscicides, highlighting S. officinalis extracts' effectiveness against M. nodosa. These findings could aid in controlling snail populations, thereby reducing the spread of snail-borne diseases, with lower environmental impact compared to traditional chemical molluscicides. Further research is suggested to understand the exact mechanism of snail mortality caused by these extracts.