Evaluation of the effect of methylparaben on the growth of Ricciocarpus natans (floating aquatic macrophyte)

Abstract

Methylparaben is a widely used antimicrobial preservative, especially in formulations for hygiene and cosmetic products. However, this compound is not monitored in sewage treatment plants, representing an emerging contaminant. In the aquatic environment, macrophytes are part of the first trophic level of food chains. Its contamination, bioaccumulation, and death represent an environmental problem since methylparaben is widely used as a preservative today. In the municipality of São Carlos-SP, methylparaben has been analyzed in waters of streams, rivers and treatment plants, as well as studies of its toxic effect on aquatic organisms (fish and cladocerans), but the research of the methylparaben effect on macrophytes is null. The present study will analyze the effect of methylparaben on the growth of Ricciocarpus nation's aquatic macrophyte, through mesocosms that will approach two concentrations of this compound associated with two incubation temperatures, simulating the average of summer and winter.