Environmental fate and effects of POEA in shallow freshwater ecosystems
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Date
2015
Authors
Rankine, Bailey
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Abstract
Traditional herbicide formulations such as Roundup® contain the active ingredient glyphosate paired with the non-ionic surfactant polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA). The impacts of POEA in aquatic environments are uncertain. In this study the environmental fate and effects of POEA was evaluated. A mesocosm field study confirmed that POEA dissipated rapidly from the water, but was persisted in the sediment; biological effects were negligible. In the laboratory, histological analysis of gills did not indicate negative effects on gill function in Pimephales promelas exposed to POEA. Proliferation of mucous cells in gills was significantly greater following 7 days of exposure. Liver histology appeared normal following exposures. Mean thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) doubled in minnow livers exposed to 10 µg.L-1 POEA for 7 days; however was not statistically significant. The present study indicates that POEA may persist in sediment and may influence benthic communities over the long term.
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Keywords
POEA, dissipation time, fathead minnows, biochmenical function