Detection of the Toxic Effects of the Antibiotic Florfenicol by Seed Germination Test

Over 60,000 tons of veterinary antibiotics are used globally annually, with an anticipated increase to 67% by 2030. Veterinary medication residues can enter the environment through fertilizer application in agricultural areas, potentially leading to plant toxicity. In the current study, the veterinary antibiotic florfenicol was tested in two ways: first, in Petri dishes during cultivation, and second, by adding the antibiotic to the soil using germination trays. Various antibiotic concentrations were applied (0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.04% v/v, ml/L). Results from the first experiment exhibited notable differences in germination rates after 8 days, in shoot and root length, and fresh and dry seedling weights, with these traits declining as concentrations increased compared to the control group. The second experiment demonstrated significant differences in germination rates after 8 days, along with changes in shoot and root length, fresh and dry seedling weights, and leaf count, with most traits decreasing as concentrations increased except for root length, which notably decreased at the 0.04% concentration. Changes in root structure, including the disappearance of fibrous roots and reduction in root system length, were observed. Germination rates after 4 days showed no significant difference in either experiment. The findings suggest that florfenicol concentrations in the first experiment affected the germination and growth of yellow corn (Zea mays L) plants, starting from the lowest concentration of 0.005%. In the second experiment, using organic-rich soil mitigated the toxic effects of florfenicol at low concentrations, except for the highest concentration of 0.04%. Florfenicol did not cause damage to chloroplasts, as the seedlings recovered their usual appearance.