Effects of glyphosate based herbicide exposure in early developmental stages of Physalaemus gracilis

Abstract The impact of environmental pollutants has been a focus of investigation in recent years. Studies assessing the effects of these pollutants are essential for understanding the challenges faced by non-target species. Among the many substances used for agricultural purposes, the herbicide glyphosate is one of the most widely marketed in recent years. This broad-spectrum herbicide is commonly used to protect a variety of crops. In this study, we evaluated the effects of chronic glyphosate exposure on a native amphibian species, Physalaemus gracilis. Amphibians, which develop in aquatic environments, are highly sensitive to pesticides. Because of this, we investigated morphological, physiological, behavioral, and biochemical parameters in the early stages of development. The animals were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of a glyphosate-based herbicide (0, 100, 350, and 700 µg L⁻¹) during their first seven days of life. As a result, we observed impairments in anti-predatory behavior, reduced body mass index, and scaled mass index, malformations of the mouth and intestine, increased acetylcholinesterase activity, cardiotoxicity, and oxidative stress. These findings underscore the importance of studying native non-target species and highlight the need to evaluate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations, as well as to review legislation regarding permissible levels of glyphosate in surface water and public water supplies.