ACUTE TOXICITY OF REFINED JATROPHA CURCAS L. OIL ON LACTUCA SATIVA L. SEEDS

Abstract

Introduction:
The use of Jatropha curcas L. oil as a biofuel for agricultural machinery represents a sustainable and promising alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, its safe and successful implementation requires a rigorous toxicity study, as it could contaminate soils, water bodies, and agricultural ecosystems, ensuring that its management does not pose an environmental risk.
Objective:
To evaluate the acute toxicity of refined Jatropha curcas L. oil on Lactuca sativa L. seeds.
Materials and Methods:
A sensitivity bioassay was conducted using lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.) in petri dishes, for different treatments and one sample as a negative control.
Results and Discussion:
It was determined that the refined oil of Jatropha curcas L. showed signs of toxicity for the 1 % and 3 % treatments, while for 10 % and 100 % it was considered toxic. This compound exhibited phytotoxic effects on the root and apical systems.
Conclusions:
In the acute toxicity test of refined Jatropha curcas L. oil, an increase in germination inhibition, radicle elongation, and hypocotyl growth was observed in Lactuca sativa L. seeds used as biomodels, as concentrations increased.