Environmental impact assessment of veterinary drug on fish aquaculture for food safety

Abstract

The degradation of veterinary drugs approved for use in aquaculture is very important in the evaluation of the impact of these drugs on the environment and to ensure safe food production. The purpose of this study is to provide guidance on how the interpretation of environmental fate data can be used by applicants to aid in protecting the environment and for the basis for food production, by suggesting the correct interpretation of data as part of an effective registration process. Tests were performed using a modification of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 308 guideline using erythromycin and oxolinic acid under combinations of aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with and without sediment, in sea water and fresh water. Estimated DT50s of erythromycin in fresh and sea water ranged from 6.8 to 37.9 days and estimated DT90s were from 22.6 to 125.9 days. Degradation was more rapid in fresh water than in sea water with the formation of three degradation products: anhydroerythomycin A, erythromycin A enol ether, and pseudoerythomycin A enol ether. Estimated DT50s of oxolinic acid in fresh and sea water were from 10.3 to 63.0 days and estimated DT90s were from 34.3 to 209.4 days which suggests that oxolinic acid is more persistent in the environment than erythromycin. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.