Toxicity of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) to the early stages of development of Steindachneridion melanodermatum, an endangered endemic species of Southern Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate glyphosate (GLY) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) toxicity at 65, 650, and 6500 μg L−1 to the initial stages of development of Steindachneridion melanodermatum, an endangered endemic species from the Iguaçu River, assessing hatching, survival, total larval length, deformities, oxidative stress biochemical biomarkers, and neurotoxicity. Overall, looking at the sum of responses through the integrated biomarker response, the species was more sensitive to AMPA than GLY, especially at the lower concentration of 65 μg L−1, which induced mortality, deformities, underdevelopment, and oxidative stress. Considering the risk of exposure and the importance of conservation of the highly endemic ichthyofauna of this basin, it is urgent to investigate and regulate both GLY and AMPA levels at the Iguaçu River to protect not only this species, but the entire ecosystem.