Evaluation of carbofuran-mediated toxicity against human lymphocytes and red blood cells in simulated wastewater degraded by coagulation–flocculation

Abstract

Coagulation–flocculation in water treatment has been relied upon aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) salts for treatment of contaminants present in source waters containing dissolved organic compounds. However, water quality deteriorates day by day which makes it urgent to improve the standards of the treatment procedure. Coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation performance of ferric chloride and alum was comparatively investigated for carbofuran treatment in simulated wastewater. Coagulation trails were performed in a jar test at several pH levels and coagulant doses to determine reduction efficiencies of carbofuran degradation and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Effect of carbofuran on proliferation, viability, and direct cytotoxicity was performed using human neuroblastoma cells U-87. Direct toxicity of carbofuran on human mononuclear cells and red blood cells (RBC) was also analyzed. Carbofuran and its derivatives were found to be relatively safe at low concentration (2–5 μM). However, at slightly higher concentration (8 μM), a moderate loss in viability and proliferative potential was observed. Taken together, these results suggest that carbofuran appears to be safe at moderate or low concentration with respect to viability of normal human lymphocytes and RBC.

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