Evaluation of DNA damage in Cnesterodon decemmaculatus generated by pesticide runoff from experimental plots of corn, wheat and soy

PAUTASSO, NÉSTOR; POLETTA, GISELA L.; SASAL, CAROLINA; SIMONIELLO, MA. FERNANDA

Buenos Aires

Congreso; SETAC Latin America 11th Biennial Meeting; 2015

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemmistry Capítulo Argentina

Diffused contamination in rural and surrounding urban environments produced by agrochemicals constitutes an important concern for our society. A global analysis of cause and effect is required, in order to provide essential information to take decisions that contribute to the reduction and mitigation of different treatments that affect the environment.The aim of this study was to evaluate the DNA damage caused on the fish Cnesterodon decemmaculatus, an extended distributed organism in South America. Bioassays were conducted using limnocorrals situated in a superficial natural water system which receives the influence of agricultural production under a recommended system of crop rotation.The evaluation was carried out during four different periods: the first one taking samples without the application of pesticides or rain runoffs; while the other three were tested after the application of agrochemical products and a rain runoff event, covering corn, wheat a soybean crops. Six limnocorrals with ten juveniles each were place in the system in a way that allowed the evaluation of different concentration levels, with the possibility to establish later, gradients of runoff effect.We evaluated DNA damage through the comet assay on epithelial gill cells of control and exposed fish. Specimens were taken from the limnocorral 72 h later probed runoff event towards the lagoon. During these periods water analysis were made, and pH and temperature were determined. The results show statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) on the gill epithelium DNA damage of the individuals exposed to the runoff, compared to the control value previously determined. The results found highlight the need to understand, prevent and correct the environmental conflicts and slow down the deteriorating processes caused by the use of agrochemicals on extensive primary production systems, to contribute to the socio-agro environmental sustainability and recovery.