Toxicological Evaluation of Organophosphates in Freshwater Ecosystems and the Role of Medicinal Plants in Detoxification
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.453.2583-2093Keywords:
Organophosphates; freshwater; AChE; oxidative stress; chlorpyrifos; phytotherapyAbstract
Organophosphate (OP) pesticides remain widely used in agriculture, and their entry into freshwater systems via runoff, spray drift, and drainage creates persistent ecological stress for aquatic biodiversity. The hallmark mechanism of OP toxicity is acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, which disrupts cholinergic neurotransmission and triggers downstream neurobehavioral impairment, oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, and tissue injury in non-target organisms. In parallel, there is growing interest in plant-based interventions rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids that may mitigate OP-induced damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing actions. This research paper integrates (i) a field-to-lab exposure framework for OP contamination (chlorpyrifos as a model OP) in freshwater habitats and (ii) an experimental evaluation of a medicinal plant extract as a detoxification/amelioration strategy in a fish bioindicator. Water chemistry and OP residues were characterized along an agricultural intensity gradient. In laboratory assays, fish were exposed to sublethal chlorpyrifos concentrations reflective of environmentally realistic pulses, and responses were quantified using neurotoxicity (AChE activity), oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA), hematology, and histopathology endpoints. A parallel treatment combined OP exposure with a standardized plant extract to assess protective efficacy. Results showed: (1) OP residues were detectable in impacted sites; (2) chlorpyrifos exposure caused concentration-dependent AChE suppression and oxidative stress; and (3) the plant extract partially restored AChE activity, reduced lipid peroxidation, and improved hematological and tissue endpoints. A graph illustrates the mitigation of AChE inhibition by plant supplementation. Collectively, the findings support an integrative ecotoxicological risk assessment approach that couples OP monitoring with biomarker batteries and highlights medicinal plants as promising, low-cost adjuncts for detoxification research while emphasizing that ecological prevention (reduced inputs, buffers, and safer alternatives) remains the first line of protection for freshwater ecosystems.
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