Evaluation of the genotoxic effects of 2,4-D in Piaractus mesopotamicus using the chromosomal aberration test
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30972/vet.3719059Keywords:
fish, pacu, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, mutagenicity, chromosomal alterationsAbstract
The impact of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on aquatic ecosystems and, particularly, on fish biology has been poorly documented. This study evaluated the potential genotoxic effect of 2,4-D on Piaractus mesopotamicus by analysing chromosomal aberrations in kidney cells. Two tests were conducted with 2,4-D: one using the pure product (P) and the other using a commercial formulation, 2,4-D Amina Sumagro® (FC). In both tests, the fish were divided into a control group (C) and five treated groups (T1 = 1 ppm; T2 = 1.8 ppm; T3 = 3.2 ppm; T4 = 5.6 ppm and T5 = 10 ppm). After a 70-day exposure period, the specimens were sacrificed by overdose of lidocaine hydrochloride, and a total of 1100 mitotic metaphases were analysed. The chromosomal aberrations observed included gaps and breaks, adhesivity, endomitosis and pulverisation. No significant differences were recorded between the treated groups and the controls. However, when considering the equivalent concentrations of the pure and commercial formulations together, a statistically significant difference was observed at 10 ppm compared to the controls. These results suggest that chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of 2,4-D could induce genotoxic alterations in P. mesopotamicus, especially at high concentrations. Consequently, there is a need to strengthen environmental monitoring and regulation of herbicide use in agricultural systems in order to prevent adverse impacts on aquatic biota.
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