Transfer of pharmaceuticals from soil to plants

Syifaul Izzah Binti Ahmad Najdi

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The mechanism of pharmaceutical transfer from soil to plants has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential impact on the environment as well as human health. The impact of irrigation practices on pharmaceutical distribution in crop-production agricultural systems is a significant concern for both environmentalists and farmers. The intensive use of water resources for irrigation, coupled with the application of various agrochemicals, has led to increased pharmaceutical prevalence in the crops. This experiment was conducted from June to August (approx. 77 days) analyzing the results of the process on Zucchini plants (Cucurbita Pepo L.). The study evaluated the effects of two irrigation solutions: Pharma, containing pharmaceutical compounds, and Mix, containing pharmaceutical compounds and a few micropollutants. Focusing on aspects such as the concentration of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), the absorption of PhACs, and the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of PhACs. One crucial aspect is the uptake of these compounds by zucchini plants, which then translocate to different parts of the plant, including the edible portions such as fruits. Understanding these complex interactions provides valuable insights for mitigating potential risks and ensuring a safe and sustainable agricultural future. According to the research conducted, additional micropollutants in irrigation water do not significantly affect zucchini plants' absorption of pharmaceutical substances. Therefore, the coexistence of various micropollutants in irrigation water has no significant effect on the uptake of pharmaceutical compounds by zucchini plants. Also, incorporating biochar into the soil does not hinder the absorption of pharmaceuticals. Using pharma versus mix treatment groups, no significant differences were observed in the amount of accumulation of various PhACs in plant biomass. The concentration of PhACs was significantly lower in the soils with biochar compared to those without, as indicated by the results. Plants were able to grow more in size due to the increased nutrient content in biochar, resulting in increased water consumption and lower concentrations of PhACs.

Keywords

biochar, pharmaceuticals, micropollutants, uptake, bioaccumulation, zucchini, soil solution

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 21. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Filip Mercl, Ph.D.
• Reader: Martina Vítková, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources

Master programme:
Natural Resources and Environment