Bisphenol A toxicity for a tropical cladoceran before and after removal of the compound via a low-cost adsorbent

• Grant number: 25/08000-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Suzelei Rodgher
• Grantee: Cauê Pedro Ferreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/08597-5 - Effect on bisphenol A toxicity to tropical aquatic invertebrates after compound removal via commercial and low-cost adsorbent, AP.R

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered an emerging contaminant of global concern due to its endocrine disruption and ubiquity in freshwater environments. The difficulty in removing emerging contaminants, including BPA, in waste treatment plants and water treatment plants represents a major barrier to controlling these compounds in aquatic environments. In this scenario, an important issue that has not yet been investigated is the change in BPA toxicity to aquatic organisms resulting from the removal of the compound by an alternative low-cost adsorbent. The seed husk of the Moringa oleifera plant is considered a low-cost adsorbent and has previously been shown to be effective in removing substances such as anti-inflammatories and pesticides. The present study aims to evaluate and compare the chronic toxicity of BPA, in solution, to the tropical cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii, before and after the adsorption process of the compound using activated husks from the seed of the M. oleifera plant. The cladoceran will be exposed to BPA concentrations before and after adsorption treatment, and the effect on parameters such as the number of offspring produced and the survival of the invertebrate will be evaluated. Additionally, a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curve for BPA will be constructed to compare the sensitivity of C. silvestrii to compound in relation to different taxonomic groups. This project will contribute with information on the toxicity of bisphenol A to tropical aquatic organisms and on the efficiency of natural materials in removing and reducing the toxicity of this contaminant in aqueous solutions (AU)