Determination of genotoxic effect of trifluralin on Colossoma macropomum (Teleostei: Characidae: Serrasalminae, Cuvier, 1816) using a multibiomarker approach

The herbicide trifluralin is one of the most widely herbicides used in weed control. This study aims to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the trifluralin herbicide on the Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) using a multi-biomarker approach. The C. macropomum is highly adapted and predominant species in a variety of water bodies in the delta region of the São Francisco River and other river systems in Brazil. The mutagenic and the genotoxic effects of different trifluralin concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 mg L-1) in peripheral erythrocytes of C. macropomum were investigated using micronucleus (MN), comet assay and apoptosis test. After an exposure period of 96 h, the results showed a significant rate of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes of C. macropomum exposed to 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 mg L-1 of trifluralin. Compared to controls, the genetic damage index (GDI) showed significant variations (**p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) for all the trifluralin concentrations tested. The genotoxicity of trifluralin herbicide on C. macropomum was confirmed by the micronucleus test and comet assay.