Ecotoxicidade da doxorrubicina na germinação e crescimento radicular de plantas cultivadas

Abstract

The presence of emerging contaminants in aquatic and terrestrial environments has become a growing concern, particularly regarding pharmaceuticals such as Doxorubicin (DOX). This study evaluated the ecotoxicological effects of DOX on cultivated plants using seed bioassays with Solanum lycopersicum, Cucumis sativus, and Daucus carota, alongside cytogenetic and biochemical analyses on Allium cepa bulbs. Parameters investigated included germination, root growth, and oxidative stress biomarkers, specifically enzymatic activity (CAT, APX, GPX, and SOD) and non-enzymatic markers (TBARS, FC, and DPPH). Results showed a significant reduction in germination and root growth, indicating DOX phytotoxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations. Biochemical analyses revealed increased lipid peroxidation and partial activation of phenolic compound synthesis, while non-enzymatic antioxidant activity showed an initial adaptive response followed by a collapse at higher concentrations. Among the antioxidant enzymes, SOD was the most responsive, suggesting intense superoxide radical production; CAT and APX remained relatively stable, whereas GPX activity was suppressed. Overall, the findings demonstrate that DOX compromises cellular balance, genetic integrity, and early plant development, corroborating previous studies on its low selectivity and capacity to induce oxidative stress in non-target organisms. This work contributes to understanding the impacts of DOX on terrestrial ecosystems and underscores the need to regulate and monitor the presence of antineoplastic drugs in agricultural and aquatic environments.