Can the pharmaceutically active compounds released in agroecosystems be considered as emerging plant stressors?. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christou, Anastasis; Michael, Costas; Fatta-Kassinos, Despo; Fotopoulos, Vasileios
• Is Part Of: Environment international. Volume 114(2018)
• Page Start: 360
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: CytcOx cytochrome c oxidase -- Dow pH-dependent speciation of ionic compounds -- GSTs glutathione S-transferases -- H+-ATPase proton pump -- Koc organic carbon-normalized sorption coefficient -- RWW reclaimed wastewater -- TPs transformation products; Antibiotics -- Cocktail effects -- Oxidative stress -- Plant physiology -- Phytotoxicity -- Reclaimed wastewater irrigation; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Protection -- Périodiques; Hygiène du milieu -- Périodiques; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Périodiques; Environmental health; Environmental monitoring; Environmental protection; Periodicals; 333.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-4120

Abstract

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) entering agroecosystems as a result of various human activities may be taken up by and accumulated within crop plants, with potential human health implications. Despite their extensive metabolism by a sophisticated enzyme-based detoxification system in plant cells, PhACs and their transformation products (TPs) may result in adverse effects on plants' physiology. PhACs–mediated phytotoxic effects, as well as plants' defense responses have been depicted on plants exposed to individual or low number of PhACs under controlled conditions. We highlight the need to consider the cocktails effects and synergistic interactions of PhACs present in mixtures in actual agroecosystems, towards phytotoxicity and agricultural sustainability in general. Considering PhACs as emerging plant stressors will better facilitate the understanding of their phytotoxic effects. Highlights: Pharmaceutically active compounds are ubiquitous in agroecosystems. Crop plants uptake and accumulate pharmaceutically active compounds in their tissues. Pharmaceutically active compounds may exert hormetic and phytotoxic effects. The cocktail effects of the mixtures of these active compounds remain unexplored.