engleski

Ecotoxicological Characteristics of the Cytotoxic Drug 5-Fluorouracil

Application of cytotoxic drugs has increased in the last few decades. One of the factors is longer expected life time which leads to the higher probability of cancer development. The 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cytotoxic drug is widely applied in clinical practice for various cancer treatment for more than fifty years. After the treatment the 5-FU and metabolites are released through the excretory system to the environment, surface and groundwater with possible impact on aquatic organisms. The influence of the 5-FU on the freshwater algal (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) growth inhibition, and inhibition of the mobility of Daphnia magna is presented in this study. Also the biodegradability of 5-FU is analyzed. Test results indicate considerably larger sensitivity of the unicellular green algae compared to D. magna, and biodegradability test results confirmed the 5-FU as nonbiodegradable in aquatic environment. 5-FU can be found in surface waters only in ng/l range concentrations, but its toxic effect on aquatic organisms and photosynthetic algae specifically should not be underestimated. Also the persistency of 5-FU in aquatic environment should be taken into consideration.

5-FU ; Daphnia magna ; Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata ; biodegradability

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