Evaluation of the impact of the emerging contaminant, amoxicillin, on the growth of Capsicum annum and Cajanus Cajan

Abstract

Amoxicillin (AMX) is one of the most widely consumed antibiotics in Latin America and Panama. Classified as an emerging contaminant, it has a low metabolic rate in humans, with 80-90% being released into the environment. AMX is extensively used in animals, often mixed with livestock feed at levels of 250-400 mg/kg due to its resistance to gastric fluid. Consequently, there is a risk that AMX may reach the soil, be absorbed by crops, and enter the food chain. This study aims to evaluate the effect of AMX on the growth of Capsicum annuum and Cajanus cajan. Using a dosing methodology with concentrations of 1, 10, and 20 mg/L, along with control plants, the growth of the plants was assessed considering temperature factors over time. Additionally, statistical analysis was conducted using R Studio to determine descriptive statistics on how AMX affects the plants; soil pH was measured at the beginning, during, and after dosing to understand AMX behavior in the soil. The results indicate that low concentrations of AMX (1 mg/L) can stimulate the growth of C. annuum and C. cajan, while higher concentrations (10 mg/L and 20 mg/L) reduce growth, particularly in C. cajan. The final soil pH values showed a slightly acidic pH (6.93). It is recommended to use a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry tandem to verify AMX absorption, extend the study for long-term effects, and investigate different soil types.