Abstract
Cu2+ and butylic ester of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as Esternon Ultra (2,4-D) toxicity on Bufo arenarum embryos were evaluated by means of a short-term chronic toxicity test (AMPHITOX). The NOEC values for Cu and 2,4-D were 0.02 mg/L and 2 mg/L respectively. The toxicity profile curves for Cu and 2,4-D were reported. The interactions of the metal and the herbicide were evaluated by combined treatments with different concentrations of Cu and 2,4-D. Although in all cases, a synergistic effect between these chemicals was observed, the combination of concentrations exerting low level effects in isolated treatments resulted in more adverse embryonic survival. Considering that both products are extensively used in agroecosystems, this fact could be of concern for non target species like amphibians.
Highlights
Copper and butylic ester of 2,4Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as Esternon Ultra (2,4-D) are extensively employed as herbicides in the agroecosystems
In this study we report the toxicity of copper and 2,4-D as Toxicity Profile curves (TOP) curves and evaluate the interaction between these chemicals on Bufo arenarum embryonic survival by means of the short-term chronic AMPHITOX toxicity test [15,16]
Oocytes were fertilized “in vitro” with a sperm suspension in AMPHITOX Solution (AS); composition: NaCl: 36; KCl: 0.5; CaCl2: 1 and NaHCO3: 2. Embryos were maintained in AS at 20+/1°C until the complete operculum stage (S.25), [18]
Summary
Copper and butylic ester of 2,4Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as Esternon Ultra (2,4-D) are extensively employed as herbicides in the agroecosystems. In spite of its essential properties, concentrations of this heavy metal slightly higher than the homeostatic ones produce significant toxic effects mainly on reproductive processes, behaviour, skeleton and skin of different organisms. Concentrations as low as 1-2 μg Cu /L produce adverse effects on aquatic biota [2]. In this context, the Cu concentrations employed as herbicides could represent a risk for “no target” organisms [2, 3]. The main adverse effects of Cu at biochemical level occur on the structure and function of DNA and proteins, both in a direct way or mediated by means of oxidative stress mechanisms [4]
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