PHARMACEUTICALS IN HUDSON RIVER WATER: TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECT ON AQUATIC VEGETATION

Rapid increase of anthropogenic pollutants such as commonly used prescription drugs and pharmaceutical personal care products (PPCPs) are raising concern among the public and scientific community. Currently, there are no available methods to remove these compounds from wastewater, potentially affecting the environment and human health. In this study, the effects of fluoxetine, amphetamine, and triclosan on potential bioaccumulation, growth and development were investigated in controlled laboratory conditions using the aquatic plant arrow arum (Peltandra virginica) as a model. The following experimental treatments were established: 0.05 and 5.00 mg/L (fluoxetine), 0.002 and 0.2 mg/L ((S)-amphetamine), 0.0023 and 0.23 mg/L (triclosan). The concentrations were based on known ambient levels. Experimental treatments were dissolved in aquaria containing 23 L of raw (unfiltered) Hudson River water and three arrow arum specimens. There were two replicates of each treatment for 12 total experimental aquaria. Two controls were set up: a stationary control with raw Hudson River water, and a flow-through control having a continuous current of Hudson River water. After 18 days of exposure the experiment was terminated and both biomass and growth were recorded. Histological analysis was conducted on paraffin imbedded tissue sections. Total chlorophyll content was determined by cold extraction with N,N-Dimethylformamide. Spectro Genesis ICP-OES was used to analyze magnesium and calcium content. Presence of amphetamine was determined using a Torion Tridion 9 gas chromatography spectrometer. Histological analysis of leaf blades, petioles and roots showed signs of cellular deformation and lysis across treatments. Chemical analysis demonstrated an increase in chlorophyll content in triclosan treatments (80 mg/L) compared to control (30 mg/L). Additional chemical analysis suggested the potential bioaccumulation of (S)-amphetamine within the respective treatments. ICP-OES analysis showed decreased magnesium levels in low and high amphetamine exposure (483.3 and 581.9 µg/g dry weight respectively) in comparison to the flow-through control (736.4 µg/g dry weight). Gas chromatography revealed the presence of amphetamine in plant tissue. The results of histological and chemical analysis show pathological and physiological tissue alteration and suggest potential bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals in aquatic vegetation.