ECOTOXICIDADE DA ATRAZINA EM AMBIENTES AQUÁTICOS: UMA INVESTIGAÇÃO COM ENFOQUE NA PLANÁRIA Girardia tigrina

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the ecotoxicity of atrazine (ATZ), a widely used herbicide in agriculture due to its effective properties in weed control. However, its use raises concerns due to its persistence in the soil and its potential impact on aquatic ecosystems. In the first chapter, it was explored the wide range of ATZ impacts on aquatic organisms of various species. ATZ is a vital tool in agriculture, inhibiting photosynthesis in weeds and often applied as a pre-emergent herbicide. However, its persistence in the soil can lead to groundwater contamination, affecting water quality. This chapter examines how ATZ affects fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates, demonstrating diverse impacts, including respiratory problems, malformations, reduced food availability, and complex interactions with other environmental stressors. In the second chapter, the focus narrows to the planarian Girardia tigrina. This bioindicator organism is studied in relation to ATZ, both in the form of a commercial compound and its analytical standard. The results reveal that both standards significantly affect G. tigrina, impairing its locomotion, regenerative capacity, and reproduction. This study will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the ecotoxicology science by providing essential information about the impacts of atrazine on aquatic organisms, addressing both the commercial and analytical standard forms. These findings can assist in the assessment of environmental risks and the development of more precise regulations for the responsible use of herbicides, such as ATZ. Environmental protection agencies can benefit from these discoveries when developing management strategies aimed at minimizing the ATZ impacts on aquatic ecosystems, thereby safeguarding biodiversity and water quality. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the ongoing importance of research for understanding and mitigating the impacts of pollutants in aquatic environments.