Time-related survival effects of two gluconasturtiin hydrolysis products on the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber

Glucosinolates are compounds produced by commercial crops which can hydrolyse in a range of natural toxins that may exert detrimental effects on beneficial soil organisms. This study examined the effects of 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate and 3-phenylpropionitrile on the survival and growth of the woodlouse Porcellio scaber exposed for 28 d. 2-Phenylethyl isothiocyanate dissipated from the soil with half-lives ranging from 19 to 96 h. Exposure through soil showed toxic effects only on survival. The LC50s after 28  d were significantly different at 65.3 mg kg−1 for 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate and 155 mg kg−1 for 3-phenylpropionitrile. A toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic (TKTD) approach, however, revealed that both compounds in fact have very similar effect patterns. The TKTD model was better suited to interpret the survival data than descriptive dose–response analysis (LCx), accounting for the fast dissipation of the compounds in the soil. Found effects were within environmentally relevant concentrations. Care should therefore be taken before allowing these natural toxins to enter soil ecosystems in large quantities.

► 2-Phenylethyl ITC and 3-proprionitrile have toxic effects on Porcellio scaber.
► Effects on survival could be observed after only a few days of exposure.
► Two mechanisms affect survival simultaneously; internal concentration and damage.
► The two compounds have the same effect patterns shown using a TKTD approach.
► The TKTD approach accounts for fast dissipation of the natural toxins from soil.