Seizures of agrochemical formulations have increased in Brazil and Rio Grande do Sul is among the Brazilian states with the highest number of seizures of these products obtained illicitly. The use of illicit formulations can cause significant harm to agricultural production, the environment, and non-target species. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress of a seized formulation containing the herbicide imazethapyr (IMZT). Characterization of the herbicide included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thermal analyses (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)). Hemolytic and cytotoxicity assays in ZF-L hepatic cells showed IC50 values of 12.75 µg/mL, 3.01 µg/mL, 2.67 µg/mL, and 1.61 µg/mL for erythrocytes, [3(4,5-dimethyl)-2 bromide-5 diphenyl tetrazolium] (MTT), neutral red (NR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. The median IC50 of 2.84 µg/mL was used in oxidative stress assays, revealing increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced total sulfhydryl content, and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. This study is the first to report in vitro oxidative stress induced by IMZT in the ZF-L cell line, emphasizing the importance of in vitro assays for assessing the toxic effects of seized agrochemicals on human health and the environment.
Edila Maria Kickhöfel FerrerMilena Mattes CerveiraPedro Henrique Flores Da CruzCleiton Jesus Andrade PereiraLucas Moraes BerneiraClaudio Martin Pereira de PereiraNathalia Stark PedraRoselia Maria SpanevelloJean Carlos Bauer VieiraClarissa Piccinin FrizzoMateus Tavares KütterJanice Luehring GiongoRodrigo de Almeida Vaucher
Throughout the history of agriculture,the challenge of weed management has endured,necessitating significant investments to facilitate ideal crop growth and maximize yields.Strategies for weed control mainly involve manual and chemical methodologies.While manual weeding persists in certain regions,chemical herbicides notably represent the primary approach.
