Prospecção da ecotoxicidade do micropoluente ciclofosfamida em plantas terrestres

Abstract

The presence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments has become a growing concern due to potential ecotoxicological impacts on non-target organisms, such as plants. Among these compounds, cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapeutic agent widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer, stands out for its high stability, persistence, and toxic potential. However, studies addressing its effects on plant organisms and the mechanisms of response to stress induced by this compound are still scarce. In this context, the present work evaluated the phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity of cyclophosphamide at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 500 ng/L, using seeds of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), carrot (Daucus carota), and onion bulb roots (Allium cepa). Root germination assays were performed on seeds, in addition to evaluating enzymatic oxidative stress with the enzymes catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). For the roots of A. cepa bulbs, non-enzymatic oxidative stress tests were used, based on the evaluation of antioxidant activity (DPPH), and total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay and lipid peroxidation test (TBARS). The results showed that cyclophosphamide compromised several physiological levels, from germination to root growth of the species.