Toxicological effects of the emerging contaminant ivermectin on Physalaemus santafecinus larvae

PELUSO JULIETA; ARONZON, CAROLINA; AGOSTINA MARTINEZ CHENDA; OLIVELLI, MELISA S.; ANA PAULA CUZZIOL BOCCIONI; RAFAEL C. LAJMANOVICH; PAOLA M. PELTZER

International Journal of Environment and Health

Inderscience Publishers

Año: 2024

1743-4955

Ivermectin (IVM) is an antiparasitic, which has been extensively employed in cattle breeding for decades, and recently. It can reach aquatic ecosystems and produce negative effects on non-target organisms, such as amphibians. Since its mechanism of action involves the interruption of the Gamma amino butyric acid neurotransmitter, it can produce neurotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on survival and behavior of a commercial formulation of IVM on Physalaemus santafecinus larvae. Behavioral parameters were assessed at 72 and 96 h of exposure. The 96 h-LC50 was 3.48 µg/L decreasing significantly to 0.74 µg/L at 120 h. The Risk Quotient for IVM was 167.56 at 120 h, which indicates the high environmental risk. At 72 h of exposure, only the 100 µg/L IVM concentration produced alterations on the behavioral parameters such as swim speed and distance, and the exploration and mobility rate, while at 96 h, even the lowest concentration (1 µg/L) altered some parameters. The lethal and behavioral effects were time dependent. Ivermectin was highly toxic to P. santafecinus larvae, causing alterations on their behavior at acute exposure times and lethality at environmentally relevant concentrations.