Ecotoxicological impact of the antihypertensive valsartan on earthworms, extracellular enzymes and soil bacterial communities

The use of reclaimed water in agriculture represents a promising alternative to relieve pressure on freshwater supplies, especially arid or semiarid regions facing scarcity. However, this implies introducing micropollutants such as pharmaceutical residues into the environment. fate and ecotoxicological impact valsartan, an antihypertensive drug frequently detected wastewater effluents, were evaluated soil-earthworm microcosms. Valsartan dissipation soil was concomitant with valsartan acid formation. Although both accumulated earthworms, no effect observed biomarkers exposure (acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase carboxylesterase activities). geometric mean index enzyme activity increased soils containing regardless presence valsartan. Therefore, earthworms carboxylesterase, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, urease protease activities. bacterial richness significantly decreased following exposure, trend enhanced significant alpha beta microbial diversity. operational taxonomic units involved these changes related four (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria Firmicutes) eight most abundant phyla. Their relative abundances valsartan-treated suggesting potential degraders. microbes strongly altered earthworm-added soils, hence importance considering synergistic effects different organisms environmental risk assessment active compounds.