Ecotoxicological tests to evaluate antibiotics and ansiolytics in the aquatic environment

Introduction. The drugs for human use cause environmental and non-target organism damage in the aquatic environment. Objective. Evaluate through ecotoxicological tests, an antibiotic and an anxiolytic of intensive use on Artemia franciscana “brine shrimp” and Excirolana braziliensis “marine isopod” were exposed to Oxytetracycline (OX), and Apohyale grandicornis “marine amphipod” was exposed to Alprazolam (AL). Materials and methods. A. franciscana and E. braziliensis individuals were exposed to OX, and A. grandicornis was exposed to AL. The number of living and dead organisms was counted in each of the dilutions at 24 and 48 h of exposure. Results. It was noted in A. franciscana that, at 48 h of exposure, the LC₅₀ (Mean Lethal Concentration) of OX was 31 % more sensitive compared to 24 h of exposure. It was seen in E. braziliensis that, at 48 h of exposure, the LC₅₀ of OX was 93 % more sensitive compared to 24 h of exposure. It was observed in A. grandicornis that, at 48 h of exposure, the LC₅₀ of LA was 69 % higher in sensitive compared to 24 h exposure. The toxicological cataloging for OX in A. franciscana considered this drug as non-toxic and in E. braziliensis moderately toxic. LA in A. grandicornis was moderately toxic. Conclusions. These three bioindicators made it possible to evaluate the toxicity in the aquatic environment of pharmaceutical products of intensive use during the Covid-19 period.