We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Is the Synthetic Fungicide Fosetyl-Al Safe for the Ecotoxicological Models Danio rerio and Enchytraeus crypticus?
Summary
The fungicide fosetyl-Al caused developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos and reproductive impairment in the soil worm Enchytraeus crypticus at concentrations relevant to agricultural use, with both model organisms showing effects that raise concerns about the ecological safety of this widely applied pesticide for non-target species.
Worldwide, pesticides have contaminated the environment, affecting non-target species. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of fosetyl-Al (FOS) on model organisms. Based on the 3 Rs for animal research and described guidelines, the OECD 236 and 220 were applied with some modifications. The FOS test concentrations were 0.02–0.2–2–20–200 mg/L for Danio rerio and 250–500–750–1000–1250 mg/kg for Enchytraeus crypticus. Besides the standard endpoints, additional endpoints were evaluated (D. rerio: behavior and biochemical responses; E. crypticus: extension of exposure duration (28 d (days) + 28 d) and organisms’ sizes). For D. rerio, after 96 h (h), hatching was inhibited (200 mg/L), proteins’ content increased (2 and 20 mg/L), lipids’ content decreased (2 mg/L), glutathione S-transferase activity increased (2 mg/L), and, after 120 h, larvae distance swam increased (20 mg/L). For E. crypticus, after 28 d, almost all the tested concentrations enlarged the organisms’ sizes and, after 56 d, 1250 mg/kg decreased the reproduction. In general, alterations in the organisms’ biochemical responses, behavior, and growth occurred at lower concentrations than the effects observed at the standard endpoints. This ecotoxicological assessment showed that FOS may not be considered safe for the tested species, only at higher concentrations than the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs). This research highlighted the importance of a multi-endpoint approach to assess the (eco)toxic effects of the contaminants.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Neurodevelopmental Toxicity of Emamectin Benzoate to the Early Life Stage of Zebrafish Larvae (Danio rerio)
Researchers studied the neurodevelopmental effects of emamectin benzoate, a widely used pesticide, on zebrafish larvae at various concentrations. They found that the pesticide significantly inhibited hatching, impaired locomotor behavior, and caused neurotoxic effects including disrupted neurotransmitter levels and brain development. The study raises concerns about the ecological risks of this pesticide to aquatic organisms during their most vulnerable early life stages.
Ecotoxicological effects of carbendazim on the freshwater food fish Channa striata: An approach to safeguard fish and its consumers' health
Researchers exposed the freshwater fish Channa striata to carbendazim fungicide at concentrations above the permissible limit, finding significant hematological, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and histopathological effects. The study highlights the risk posed by this agricultural fungicide to commercially important food fish and, by extension, human consumers.
Toxic Effects of Copper Fungicides on the Development and Behavior of Zebrafish in Early-Life Stages
Researchers evaluated the developmental and behavioral toxicity of copper-based fungicides on zebrafish in early life stages, comparing copper nanoclusters, copper hydroxide, and copper acetate. The study found that all three copper compounds caused dose-dependent effects on embryo survival, hatching, heart rate, and larval behavior, raising concerns about copper accumulation in freshwater environments.
Toxicological Effects of Glufosinate-Ammonium-Containing Commercial Formulations on Biomphalaria glabrata in Aquatic Environments: A Multidimensional Study from Embryotoxicity to Histopathology
Researchers conducted a comprehensive toxicity study of the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium on the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata, examining effects from embryo development through adult histopathology. The study found that embryos were far more sensitive to the herbicide than adults, with implications for understanding how agricultural chemical runoff affects non-target aquatic organisms in freshwater ecosystems.
Heart rate and behavioral responses in three phylogenetically distant aquatic model organisms exposed to environmental concentrations of carbaryl and fenitrothion
Researchers exposed zebrafish, Japanese medaka, and water fleas (Daphnia magna) to very low concentrations of two common insecticides — carbaryl and fenitrothion — that are considered "safe" by current standards. Despite being below established safety thresholds, both chemicals increased heart rate and disrupted normal swimming behavior across all three species, raising concerns that current safety standards may underestimate real-world risks to aquatic life.