Effect of Lead on the Development and Nutrient Accumulation Ability of Musca Domestica

Abstract Lead pollution poses a threat to the survival of animals, plants and humans. Environmental pollution conversion with insects is a new type of environmental management. Housefly (Musca domestica) may be an efficient, economical, and safe choice for lead pollution control. However, this needs to make sure that houseflies are strongly resistant to lead contamination. In this study, housefly larvae, pupae and adult growth parameters and adult fecundity under lead treatment were counted, and changes in digestive enzyme activities and gene expression levels were detected to comprehensively analyze the tolerance of housefly to lead exposure. As a result, lead accumulated in the larvae under 5000 mg/kg lead treatment and caused a decrease in the survival rate of the larvae, extension of the developmental duration, decrease of the body weight, and dynamic changes in oviposition dynamics. The total sugar and total protein content of the larvae decreased, while the amylase and trypsin activities decreased, the total lipid content increased, and the lipase activity increased, the expression of all digestive enzyme genes changed. 20 mg/kg lead treatment has no significant effect on the growth and development of housefly. In conclusion, lead exposure mainly affected the growth rate of larvae and adult fecundity by affecting the efficiency of housefly nutrient accumulation.