Antibiotic toxicity screening on seedling emergence: beyond traditional species

Environmental Science Processes & Impacts 2026 Open access

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Authors: R. Silvana Cortés-Lagunes, Andrea-Lorena Garduño-Jiménez, Wenshi Bao, J. C. Duran-Alvarez, Felicity C. T. Elder, J. R. Greenwood, John H. Nightingale, Fan Zhang, Laura J. Carter
DOI: 10.1039/d6em00053c
Cited by: 1
References: 59

Abstract

). The importance of assessing sublethal effects, as root and biomass changes, in addition to germination, for a more comprehensive phytotoxicity assessment is demonstrated. Standardized test conditions may overlook species requiring specific germination conditions. Sorption of antibiotics to filter paper affected exposure concentrations, emphasizing the importance of chemical quantification before and after tests. This study highlights the need for adaptive phytotoxicity protocols, careful experimental design to obtain statistically significant results, and inclusion of non-cultivated species as bioindicators to better assess antibiotic risks to terrestrial plants.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts Pesticide and Herbicide Environmental Studies Allelopathy and phytotoxic interactions

Publication details

Journal / source
Environmental Science Processes & Impacts
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Volume
28
Issue
3
Pages
847–865
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN