FIRST APPROACH FOR STUDYING THE IMPACTS OF THE NUCLEAR TESTS ON INSECTS IN REGGANE, ALGERIA

Abstract

Herein, we report the initial findings of a study of two insect species (the Sahara bee Apis mellifera sahariensis and the silverfish Lepisma saccharina) collected from the site of the 1960 Reggane nuclear test site in Algeria. These samples were analysed via single-cell electrophoresis for DNA damage resulting from radiation exposure due to nuclear tests. Our results show statistically significant variation (p<0.001) in DNA damage in the silverfish compared to control organisms, but no such effect was found in the Sahara bee. This study represents what we believe to be the first of its kind regarding the ecological effects of the 1960 Reggane nuclear test and will be expanded upon in future research. Overall we call for further in-depth studies of the desert populations of various taxa including birds and mammals.