Ibuprofen induces toxicity and mutagenicity in different model organisms exposed to environmentally relevant and non-relevant concentrations

Abstract

The increase in consumption of pharmaceutical products, such as ibuprofen, has led to their widespread presence in the environment, representing risks to the food chain. In order to monitor the presence of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) are commonly used for environmental monitoring. This study investigated the effects of exposure to ibuprofen at environmentally relevant concentrations (0,02 and 0,20 mg/L^-1) and non-relevant concentrations (600 mg/L^-1) on earthworm mortality, seed germination, initial seedling development, and effects on the cell cycle of Lactuca sativa. The results demonstrate that environmentally relevant concentrations were not able to induce mortality in earthworms or reduce the percentage of lettuce seed germination. Such parameters were only affected by the non-relevant concentration, which caused 100% mortality and reduced germination by 61,67%. Although it did not affect germination, the concentration of 0,02 mg/L^-1 reduced the length of the seedling roots by 18,72% and the length of the aerial part by 20,72%. In addition, it was found that ibuprofen can negatively affect the integrity of genetic material, inducing the formation of micronucleus in root cells, indicating its mutagenicity. At a concentration of 0,02 mg/L^-1, the frequency of micronucleus was 0,68%, and at a concentration of 0,20 mg/L^-1, it was 1,33%. This suggests that the presence of ibuprofen in the environment may represent a risk to biodiversity, highlighting the need for measures to minimize exposure to the compound and ensure its safe and responsible use.

Key words: Discard of Medicines; Lactuca sativa; Plant models; Micronucleus; Water pollution