Azoxystrobin Causes Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in the Aquatic Macrophyte Myriophyllum quitense

Among the search for new types of pesticides, the fungicide azoxystrobin (AZX) was the first patent of the strobilurin compounds, entering in the market in 1996. Its use worldwide is growing, mainly linked to soybean production, although its effects in non-target organisms are almost unknown. The goal of the present work was to evaluate effects of short-term AZX exposure to the aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum quitense, focusing on oxidative stress parameters and DNA fragmentation. Significant inhibition of the antioxidant enzyme systems were observed at 50 mu g/L AZX for catalase and peroxidase (p < 0.05). Lipid and DNA damage were significant at 50 and 100 mu g/L AZX. These biomarkers were sensitive to AZX and can be used in a battery to evaluate the occurrence of AZX in freshwater ecosystems.