Teratogenicity testing of a 2,4-D containing herbicide formulation and three heavy metals in chicken embryos.

The toxic effects of a widely used herbicide (Dikamin D containing 72% 2,4-D-amine Na as active ingredient) applied alone or in combination with three heavy elements (copper sulphate, cadmium sulphate and lead acetate) modelling the heavy metal load of the environment were studied on chicken embryos with injection treatment. The treatment was done on day 0 of incubation. Solutions and emulsions of different concentrations were made from the test materials and injected in 0.1 ml volume into the air space of eggs. The macroscopical evaluations were done on day 19 of the incubation. Summarizing the findings, it can be established that the individual administration of the 72% 2,4-D containing herbicide formulation was less toxic compared to the control group than the simultaneous administration of the pesticide and heavy elements. As compared with each other the results from the combined administrations of the 72% 2,4-D containing herbicide formulation and heavy elements the simultaneous administration of cadmium and the herbicide caused the highest embryomortality while the incidence of developmental anomalies were the highest in the interaction study of the copper and the pesticide.