Paracetamol toxicity by phytotesting with Lepidium sativum L.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate of the impact of a paracetamol- and additivecontaining pharmaceutical on growth characteristics of the seeds and seedlings of Lepidium sativum L., phytotoxicity and on microbial contamination of seeds. The germination energy and seed germination rate did not change under the influence of PCM as formulated in the pharmaceutical Infulgan at any concentration tested, however, the biometric indices of seedlings changed significantly. The toxicity for L. sativum of Infulgan solutions, containing different amounts of PCM was found. When taking published PCM concentrations characteristic of wastewater into account, they appear not to pose a risk to the germination and growth of watercress at present. One should consider, however, the possibility of accumulation of harmful substances in the environment and the increase in the concentration, which defines further perspective of the studies of their impact on plants.