Vasudha Ranjan, J. Divya and S.H. Basavarajappa
Abstract
The albendazole tablets are widely used as an anti parasitic drugs for both the humans and animals, effectively treating the parasitic infections due to their broad-spectrum anthelmintic activity. These tablets can be released into the soil from the household wastes, healthcare facilities and other sources and finally they end up in the landfills, if there are no proper disposal method. The release of these active pharmaceutical ingredients from the albendazole can lead to the soil and water pollution through the surface runoff and leaching. During the present research, a pilot study was conducted in order to know the toxic effects of the expired and non-expired albendazole tablets on the plant. For the toxicity study, Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds were used. Both the albendazole tablets were powdered and added at the rate of 1g, 5g and 10g to the landfill soil sample. The fenugreek seeds were added to the soil sample and kept for observation. A tracer amount of water was added regularly. The complete growth of the plant attained after 10 days and later, the growth parameters such as germination index, root length, shoot length and number of leaves was evaluated. In order to check the translocation of both the albendazole tablets to the root and shoot system, the percentage of absorption through root and shoot system were analysed. The root and shoot were dried, powdered and extracted. Later, it was subjected to LC/MS analysis. From the experimental result, it was found that,the expired albendazole negatively impacts the plant growth, particularly at the higher concentrations. From the LC/MS analysis, it was found that, the plant roots consistently show the higher peak area of expired albendazole and maximum percentage of absorption was found in 5 g concentration (0.56%) in comparison with the shoots across all the other concentrations. From the study, it can be concluded that, the expired albendazole tablets in the soil can persist for the longer periods, potentially inhibiting the growth of the plant.