Residual concentrations of tebuconazole based fungicide-an ecogenotoxicological assessment

The widespread use of pesticides has raised environmental and health concerns. Tebuconazole (TBZ), an active ingredient of several worldwide authorized fungicide, is classified as low risk for acute human toxicity but highly harmful to the environment. Despite this, TBZ residues have been detected in ecosystems, food, and drinking water. This study assessed TBZ's ecotoxicity using different bioindicators (Allium cepa L., Lactuca sativa L., and Girardia tigrina G.). Initial tests with L. sativa L. (0.01-10.0 µg/mL TBZ) revealed sublethal effects, likely due to anti-gibberellic activity. Allium cepa L. assays demonstrated phyto-, cyto-, and genotoxicity, confirming TBZ as an aneugenic agent. Girardia tigrina G. exhibited lethality at high concentrations and morphological, toxic, and neurotoxic effects at lower doses, possibly linked to oxidative stress. Our findings indicate that TBZ induces significant harm even at residual levels, underscoring the need for stricter regulatory criteria in pesticide approval.