PESTICIDE-INDUCED ENZYMATIC DISRUPTION IN AMPHIBIANS: A CASE STUDY ON EUPHLYCTIS CYANOPHLYCTIS IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Amphibians are globally recognized as bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental stressors. This study investigates the effects of two commonly used pyrethroid pesticides, β-Cypermethrin and Fenpropathrin, on the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver and kidney of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (skittering frog), collected from the selected areas of Sindh Province, Pakistan. Frogs were exposed to varying concentrations of each pesticide under controlled laboratory conditions, and subsequent ALP activity was measured using spectrophotometry. Results indicated a significant dose-dependent decrease in ALP activity across both organs. The liver showed up to a 50.5% significant inhibition under 0.1% Fenpropathrin exposure, while kidney ALP activity was also inhibited by up to 50%. These findings highlight the susceptibility of amphibians to pyrethroid exposure and the broader ecological risks associated with pesticide overuse. The study underscores the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and policy-level intervention to prevent amphibian biodiversity loss in pesticide-intensive regions.