Genotoxic, mutagenic, and biomass effects on Eisenia fetida exposed to the fungicides triadimefon and triadimenol

Abstract

Triadimefon and triadimenol are broad-spectrum fungicides widely used in agriculture. This study assessed their genotoxic and biomass effects on Eisenia fetida earthworms exposed for 7, 14 and 21 days to concentrations of triadimefon (0.006, 0.12, 0.24 mg/kg), triadimenol (1.5, 3, 6 mg/kg), and their mixture (0.012 + 3.0 mg/kg). At 14 and 21 days, weight loss exceeded 20%, reaching over 40% at the highest concentrations of both triazoles. Genotoxic effects were detected at 6 mg/kg triadimefon and 0.024 mg/kg triadimenol, individually and in mixture, particularly after 14 and 21 days. A slight mutagenic increase was observed only at the highest triadimefon concentration. Exposure to the fungicides promoted significant biomass reduction from day 14 onward. These results reinforce the need for monitoring triazoles' environmental impact, as even at relevant concentrations, they can induce genotoxic damage in soil organisms.