Slugs as target or non-target organisms for environmental chemicals

Abstract

The ability of slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) to survive exposure to various chemical stressors such as molluscicides ( carbamates, metaldehyde, ironchelates) or other environmental pollutants (heavy metals, pesticides) was investigated using x-ray analyses, autoradiography, filter electron microscopy, enzyme histochemistry, enzymatics, electron microscopy, and stress protein analyses. Uptake pathways, target sites, modes of action and general responses in the animals were studied, and the results (including aspects of resorption and metabolism of the toxins as well as their cellular and biochemical effects) interpreted in terms of both molluscicidal efficiency and of the consequences to slugs' ecological role as soil decomposers.