Embryonic Development Effects of Basagran® Herbicide in Danio Rerio: A Preliminary Study

Bentazon (Basagran^®) belongs to the chemical group of benzothiadiazinones. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the influence of herbicide bentazon (3 µg.L^-1, 6 µg.L^-1, 12 µg.L^-1, 300 µg.L^-1) in Danio rerio embryos development. The study tested environmental relevant concentrations of bentazon as well as the limit established for drinking water (300 µg.L^-1) in Brazil. We performed behavioral and developmental analyzes during 96 h of exposure. The bentazon measurements after experimental period showed reduction ranging from 5.0 to 18.93% between exposed groups. Our results showed significant differences in the heart rate, which was significantly higher in groups exposed to all bentazon concentrations compared to control groups. The absence of alterations in the behavioral parameters showing that the herbicide bentazon at the concentrations tested had few adverse effects on the development and behavior of the Danio rerio embryos. Considering the toxic point of view, there is a chance that bentazon acts together with other environmental contaminants as an additive or synergistic way.