Prospecção da toxicidade do etilparabeno em plantas terrestres

Abstract

Ethylparaben is an emerging pollutant frequently found in the environment. Widely associated with the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, it has generated increasing concern due to the amount found in ecosystems and the potential impact on these non-target organisms, especially terrestrial plants. Exposure to these compounds can significantly compromise essential physiological processes, altering plant development, cellular integrity and biochemical homeostasis of exposed organisms. In this study, the systemic and cellular toxicity of EtP, as well as the oxidative stress caused, in Daucus carota, Lycopersicum esculentum and Cucumis sativus seeds and in A. cepa bulb roots were evaluated at concentrations of 1, 50, 10, 100 and 1000 ng L⁻¹. All concentrations significantly altered the activity of CAT, APX, GPOX and SOD, in addition to causing lipid peroxidation in tomato and cucumber plants, increasing the levels of hydrogen peroxide and, mainly, hydroxyl radicals and superoxides in the cells. These oxidants caused a delay in the progression of the cell cycle and induced changes in the mitotic spindle of the root meristems, significantly inhibiting root growth. It is concluded that the recurrent use of EtP reduces soil quality and may have negative impacts on agricultural productivity and the environment. This study is a pioneer in the toxicological and oxidative stress evaluation of EtP in plants at environmentally relevant concentrations. In addition, it was demonstrated the absence of legal and environmental implications associated with the indiscriminate use of this substance. To achieve these objectives, a bibliographic review with critical analysis of the scientific literature available in national and international databases was used.