Enzymatic Evaluation of the Phytoaccumulative Capacity of Salvinia Biloba Under Stress Conditions Caused by Methylparaben and Chlorinated Derivatives

Parabens have been associated with health problems, and the inefficiency in conventional treatment systems to remove them has led to the search for alternative treatment methods, such as phytoextraction. Understanding the effect of parabens on the phytoextractor species is essential to develop an efficient alternative system. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of Methylparaben and its chlorinated forms on the metabolism of Salvinia biloba and assess the possibility of its action as a phytoextractor. To do this, S. biloba was exposed to treatments with Methylparaben, Chloromethylparaben, and Dichloromethylparaben at concentrations of 100, 500, and 1000 µg/L. The phytoextract potential was assessed in the solutions after contact with the plants for phytotoxicity, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity tests with Allium cepa. The enzymatic anti-stress defense system, lipid peroxidation, and chlorophyll a and b concentrations were evaluated. The activity of the CAT and APX occurred in the chlorinated treatments. GOPX and SOD were significantly activated in response to lipid peroxidation. Chlorophyll a increased at 500 and 1,000 µg/L MPB, and chlorophyll b disappeared after 96 h in ClMPB and DiClMPB. The IM showed that MPB at the three concentrations caused reduction in the cell growth of A. cepa roots at all times of exposure. In treatments ClMPB and DiClMPB, after 72 h of treatment, root elongation was like that of the control. Thus, it is possible to affirm that S. biloba cannot absorb and transport methylparaben through its tissues but has phytoextractor potential for Chloromethylparaben and Dichloromethylparaben.