Prospecção da fitotoxicidade e citogenotoxicidade do poluente emergente propilparabeno a plantas terrestres: subsídios para determinação do risco ambiental

Abstract

Propylparaben is an ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in the C4 position with wide use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It has a preservative function due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Studies have already demonstrated the carcinogenic potential of PrP (propylparaben), but there are few studies on its polluting potential. Due to the failure of water and wastewater treatment plants to remove it, PrP accumulates in water and land resources through the discharge of contaminated wastewater and sludge, becoming a contaminant of emerging concern. To verify whether PrP is toxic at environmentally relevant concentrations, phytotoxicity tests were carried out on seeds of Allium cepa L., Cucumis sativus L., Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. and Lactuca sativa L., in addition to cytogenotoxicity tests on Allium cepa L. roots. The decrease in RGI (Relative Growth Index) and IG (Germination Index) in seeds and the decrease in MI (Mitiotic Index) in A. Cepa as the concentration of PrP increased, demonstrated the phytotoxic and cytotoxic potential of this compound. Furthermore, the increase in cellular changes such as disorganization in prophases and viscous anaphases in meristematic cells of A. Cepa verified its genotoxic potential. Such results can be used as useful tools for regulating the toxic potential of propylparaben in environmental compartments, given that the country's current legislation is limited to the amount of PrP present in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, in addition to prohibiting its use in food.