The use of Gammarus pulex as a model organism for ecotoxicological assessment of ibuprofen and propranolol at environmental relevant concentrations.

The aim of this study is to assess the toxicity of ibuprofen (IBU) and propranolol (PRO) drugs using Gammarus pulex  as a model organism. Firstly, the 96 h LC ₅₀  values of IBU and PRO were determined and then three sublethal concentrations of the drugs were exposed to  G. pulex . The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were evaluated. SOD activity decreased in  G. pulex  exposed to IBU and PRO compared to control. In all groups exposed to IBU, CAT activity increased at different concentrations at 24 and 96 h. In the groups exposed to different PRO concentrations, CAT activities increased after 24 h compared to the control group (p < 0.05). AChE activities increased in all application groups exposed to IBU for 96 hours (p < 0.05). In conclusion, exposure to IBU and PRO resulted in increased oxidative damage. PRO has been found to cause neurotoxicity.