Oxidative stress of plankton community and some isolated species during paracetamol toxicity test

Abstract

The present research was carried out on 96 h to assess the possible effect of different doses of Paracetamol on both phytoplankton and zooplankton communities, as well as on two isolated algae Chlorella ellipsoidea, Oscillatoria sp. and a protozoan species Vorticella convallaria. The effect of the drug on some of the plankton biochemical activities such as (Arylesterase activity, lipid peroxidation and total thiol concentrations) was also studied. After 48 h, LC50 of zooplankton was recorded at 2 mg L-1. The LC50 of the protozoans was recorded at 2 mg L-1 after 48 h of exposure, while the LC50 of rotifers was observed at 8 mg L-1 after 48 h of exposure. The total phytoplankton community during the experiment achieved LC50 at the concentration of 4 mg of paracetamol/l after only 24 h of exposure, while a 100% reduction was recorded at the highest concentration after 96 h of exposure. In conclusion, paracetamol as one of the commonly used anti-inflammatory has been found to have a drastic effect on the plankton organisms especially at long time exposure. In order to protect our fauna and flora, Pharmaceuticals in general should be monitored and detected in our water body. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information.