BIOLOGICAL TESTING OF WATER FROM THE LAKE IMANDRA (MURMANSK REGION) USING THE FRUIT FLY DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Abstract

Fruit flies D. melanogaster were studied as a test model for biological testing of water from natural sources. Samples of surface water of the lake Imandra (Murmansk region) were obtained at six sites and mixed with feeding medium for flies in test tubes at a 1:3 ratio. Flies were placed into the tubes for egg laying and then removed. The development of larvae up to imago was observed. Upon pupation, the height of puparia placement was measured. After eclosion, the ratios of males and females were determined. Statistically significant changes from control in the heights of puparia position above medium were found in all samples. Imago losses were found in three samples. Changes in sex ration were found in two samples. Fungal contamination was present in all samples.