DOSE-DEPENDENT EFFECT OF IMIDAZOLINONE HERBICIDES ON THE MONOCULTURE OF DESMODESMUS ARMATUS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31861/biosystems2025.03.375Keywords:
imidazolinone herbicides, imazamox, Desmodesmus armatus, microalgae, dose-dependent effect, photosynthetic pigments, freshwater ecosystemsAbstract
This study investigates the dose-dependent effects of imidazolinone herbicides, particularly imazamox, on a monoculture of the green microalga Desmodesmus armatus, which is a sensitive test organism for ecotoxicological assessments. The relevance of the research is обусловлена the increasing risk of herbicide entry into freshwater bodies as a result of agricultural runoff and anthropogenic disturbances, which may adversely affect primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
The toxic effects of imazamox were evaluated based on culture growth parameters (cell density and optical density) and the state of the photosynthetic apparatus by determining the contents of chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids over 14–28 days of exposure. It was established that the response of Desmodesmus armatus is clearly concentration-dependent. Low concentrations (0.01–0.06 mg/L) induced a short-term hormetic effect, characterized by stimulation of growth and the pigment system. Medium concentrations (0.1–1 mg/L) caused latent toxicity, manifested by gradual growth inhibition and a decrease in chlorophyll content. High concentrations (2.5–10 mg/L) resulted in persistent suppression of photosynthetic activity, degradation of the pigment system, and the absence of adaptive responses.
The obtained results confirm the suitability of Desmodesmus armatus as a bioindicator for assessing the toxicity of imidazolinone herbicides and emphasize the importance of considering the prolonged effects of pesticides when evaluating their ecological safety.
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