Transfer of antimicrobials from soil to plants

Bc. Agnessa Karavayeva

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The mechanism of transfer of antimicrobials from soil to plants is a complex process involving various physicochemical and biological interactions. The interaction between plant roots and soil particles plays a key role in the transfer of antimicrobials from soil to plants. Some antimicrobials can form complexes with organic matter in soil, which may increase their resistance to transfer to plants. The influence of environmental factors such as soil temperature, moisture and pH can also have a significant impact on the mechanisms of antimicrobial transfer from soil to plants. Understanding the mechanisms of antimicrobial transfer from soil to plants is important for assessing the human health and environmental risks associated with the use of antimicrobials in agriculture. The research examined the impact of two irrigation solutions: one containing a blend of antimicrobial compounds and preservatives (climbazole, clindamycin, triclosan, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben), and the other with a mixture of antimicrobial compounds, preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and plasticizers on the zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) plant. According to the results obtained, the application of biochar into the soil could prevent the uptake of antimicrobial substances, but not of additional pollutants, the uptake of which, on the contrary, biochar could enhance. Also, the application of biochar in the soil significantly increased the plant biomass and the amount of water consumed. The presence of additional micropollutants had little effect on the uptake of antimicrobials by the plant, as most of the antimicrobials were not found in the stems, leaves, and fruits. It can also be assumed that the application of pollutants and antimicrobials, without additional nutrient medium like biochar, has a strong effect on plant biomass, number of fruits and quality of the plant, significantly deteriorating its condition.

Keywords

biochar, zucchini, triclosan, climbazole, parabens, absorption, bioaccumulation

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 28. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 21. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: Ing. Filip Mercl, Ph.D.
• Reader: Tatiana Robledo Mahón, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources

Master programme:
Food Quality and Processing of Agricultural Products