Neurotoxicidade e teratogenicidade induzidas por carbendazim e ametrina em zebrafish: implicações para a saúde ambiental e biológica

Abstract

Ametryn (AMT) and Carbendazim (CBZ) are pesticides widely used in agricultural crops to control pests and increase food production efficiency. Despite their toxicological risks and questionable effectiveness, the actual impacts of exposure to these substances and their residues in the environment remain difficult to determine. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acute exposure to these pesticides on non-target organisms, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations of the chemicals: 0.2, 1.0, 2.0, 20, and 40 mg/L for AMT, and 0.00007, 0.00015, 0.0003, 0.005, and 0.001 mg/L for CBZ, in addition to negative controls (water and DMSO) and a positive control (3,4-dichloroaniline) (n=20/group). Mortality, teratogenicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity were assessed. High mortality and malformation induction were observed for both pesticides, with LC50 estimated at 1.33 mg/L for AMT and 0.002 mg/L for CBZ. Both pesticides induced an increase in heart rate compared to the control group. Additionally, the pesticides reduced avoidance behavior, indicating a neurotoxic effect. These findings highlight the need for strict caution regarding exposure to these substances. Alternatives 6should be considered to ensure the integrity of human and environmental health, mitigating contamination of water sources, soil, and biodiversity.