Larvicidal Efficacy of Fe-MOF Nanoparticles Against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) and its Potential Impact on Water Quality

This study investigated the potential impact of Fe-MOF (Iron Metal-Organic Framework) on wastewater treatment for disinfection purposes. The morphology, structure and composition of Fe-MOF nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, confirming their high quality and uniformity. The efficacy of Fe-MOF nanoparticles in wastewater treatment was evaluated by analyzing its physico-chemical parameters including heavy metals, in the raw and nano-treated wastewater samples under investigation. Results showed significant improvements in the quality of the treated wastewater, with removal efficiencies up to 82% for turbidity and 95% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), respectively. The study proved that Fe-MOF nanoparticles showed great potential as an effective solution for wastewater treatment and for reducing the concentration of pollutants. The susceptibility of the 3^rd instar larvae of Culex pipiens to Fe-MOF nanoparticles at different concentrations and time intervals was investigated. The mortality rate of larvae was recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours of exposure at different concentrations of Fe-MOF nanoparticles, and the LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ values were determined. The LC₅₀ values of Fe-MOF nanoparticles at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 93.48, 48.68, and 40.88 ppm, respectively. The LC₉₅ values at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 548.23, 293.23, and 249.28 ppm, respectively. The study found that the toxicity of Fe-MOF nanoparticles on Cx pipiens larvae is concentration- and time-dependent. Additionally, the study focused on comparing the midgut and ovary of untreated Cx. pipiens with those treated with Fe-MOF nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM results showed significant alterations in the midgut and ovarian structures of Cx. pipiens larvae treated with Fe-MOF nanoparticles when compared to the untreated samples. This study showed promising results in the use of Fe-MOF nanoparticles as a promising larvicidal agent for mosquito control, thus it could contribute to integrated vector management programs. It is concluded thatFe-MOF nanoparticles exhibit very important application prospects in environmental and health-related challenges.