Evaluating the toxicity of microbial bio-inputs and their effects on aquatic organisms: a path towards clean agriculture

• Grant number: 24/20944-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Cláudia Maris Ferreira Mostério
• Grantee: Cláudia Maris Ferreira Mostério
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesca. Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Adriana Sacioto Marcantonio ; Cristiano Venicius de Matos Araújo ; Daniel Clemente Vieira Rêgo da Silva ; Erna Elisabeth Bach ; Fernanda Menezes França ; Helen Treichel ; Marilia Hartmann

Abstract

The use of microorganisms to reduce environmental impacts is applied intensively in areas such as soil bioremediation, effluent treatment, bioenergy and the production of agricultural bio-inputs. The production of agricultural bio-inputs, especially microbial bioherbicides, has gained prominence due to concerns about the health and impacts of commercial pesticides. These bioherbicides are produced from microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, and act by degrading the cell wall of weeds, making them fundamental for sustainable and healthy agriculture. The process of producing bioherbicides involves the selection of microorganisms and substrates, such as microalgae, and fermentation, which can be solid-state or submerged. Submerged fermentations are preferred because they facilitate process control and scalability. Microbial bioherbicides are rich in enzymes that have high herbicidal potential, with or without synergy with the microorganism used to obtain them. The production of bio-inputs is in line with the concept of the circular economy, using waste as a substrate, which reduces costs and environmental impacts. However, these bio-inputs lack ecotoxicological validation, because even though they are considered environmentally friendly, there are still doubts about possible toxic effects on non-target organisms, especially vertebrates. Therefore, the aim of this project is to evaluate the toxicity of a bioinput with bioherbicidal application, and its effects on different stages of development of non-target vertebrate organisms, such as fish and amphibians. To this end, we will conduct in vitro tests (cell culture) with embryos and animals in the larval stage (fry and tadpoles) of fish and amphibians. In addition, we will carry out behavioral tests to gather information on the biological effect of this potential bioherbicide. We intend to collaborate in the production of safe bio-inputs, contributing to agricultural sustainability and innovation processes that support the circular economy. This is a biotechnology project for sustainable development, made up of a multidisciplinary, experienced and productive technical team. With our results, we hope to bring natural products to the production sector which, if safe, can be made commercially viable, generating solutions for food production. (AU)