ANTIMICROBIAL PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS EFFECTS IN THE TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

Triclosan (TCS) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifimgal agent and it is a common constituent of household and personal care products. TCS widespread use has resulted in its introduction into environment and has raised concerns regarding possible adverse effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Earthworm Eisenia fetida was chosen as representative organism to evaluate the impact of TCS on soil organisms. Adult E. fetida were exposed to 10-750 mg/kg of triclosan for 8 weeks. The impact on survival, growth and reproduction was evaluated. TCS had low acute toxicity to adults, though subchronic exposure severely affected the survival of earthworms (8-week LC50 252.88+86.84 mg kg(-1)). None of the tested TCS concentrations evoked earthworm weight loss during the experiment, but the earthworms treated with TCS grew slower and this resulted in lower weight at the end of the experiment. Reproduction was shown to be the most susceptible endpoint to TCS exposure. Cocoon production in the soils spiked with 500-750 mg kg(-1) was reduced by 90% in comparison with control group.