Evaluation of Embryo-larval Toxicity of the Antibiotic Ceftriaxone in the Fish Danio rerio (Zebrafish)

Abstract

Antibiotics comprise a class of pharmaceutical products that have been generating increasing global concern due to their detection in environmental matrices. Cephalosporins constitute the largest group of antibiotics employed for human and animal treatment in most countries. Ceftriaxone belongs to the class of third-generation cephalosporins and can reach the aquatic environment. Studies in the literature have shown the toxic effect of ceftriaxone on zebrafish at high concentrations, and on cyanobacteria at environmental concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ceftriaxone (0.05 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 5.0 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L) on the development of embryos and larvae of zebrafish. The Fish Embryotoxicity Test (FET) was performed according to OECD protocol n. 236. The results showed that the tested concentrations of ceftriaxone did not cause lethal or sublethal effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae. However, considering data in the literature, added to the fact that cephalosporin-class antibiotics are widely used, the use and disposal of ceftriaxone cannot be neglected.