Sublethal effects of industrial effluents on the biochemical constituents of the haemolymph in the larva of Macromia cingulata Rambur (Anisoptera: Corduliidae)

The total proteins, free amino acids and free sugars of the haemolymph decreased significantly after exposure to various sublethal concentrations of tannery and paper and pulp mill effluents. The fall in the biochemical constituents of the haemolymph in the experimental animals was dose dependent. The sugars could be used as an instant energy source in the treated larvae while the proteins might be utilized during chronic stress conditions. The paper and pulp mill effluent was found to be more toxic to the larvae than the tannery effluent, as indicated by higher utilization of haemolymph free amino acids in the paper and pulp mill effluent treated indviduals.