Impacts of cattle management and agricultural practices on water quality through different approaches: physicochemical and ecotoxicological parameters

Abstract

Abstract The intensification of livestock farming can pose risks to the environment due to the increased use of veterinary products and the generation of waste in confined areas. The quality of water bodies near livestock establishments (Areco river (A) and Doblado stream (D), San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires, Argentina) was studied by physicochemical parameters, metals, pesticides, emerging contaminants, and lethal and sublethal toxicity (neurotoxicity and oxidative stress) in larvae of the native amphibian Rhinella arenarum. Six sites were selected: upstream (S1A and S1D), at the level of (S2A and S2D), and downstream (S3A and S3D) from the establishments. A low concentration of dissolved oxygen was observed in Doblado stream (<2.34 mg/L). Cu, Mn, V, and Zn exceeded the limits for the protection of aquatic life at various sites. Between 24 and 34 pesticides were detected in all sites, with 2,4-D, atrazine, and metolachlor being the most recurrent. In water and sediment, the concentrations of ivermectin (S2A: 1.32 μg/L and 58.18 μg/kg; S2D: 0.8 μg/L and 85.22 μg/kg) and oxytetracycline (S2A: <1 mg/L and <1 mg/kg; S2D: 11.8 mg/L and 39 mg/kg) were higher at sites near the establishments. All sites caused between 30 and 38.3% of lethality and produced neurotoxicity and alterations in the reduced glutathione content. Also, larvae exposed to samples from all sites incorporated ivermectin. These results demonstrate the degradation of the studied sites in relation to the agricultural activities of the area, highlighting the need to take measures to protect and preserve aquatic ecosystems.