Cefixime and Aspirin alters antioxidant response, biochemical composition, and primary productivity of phytoplankton: A Mesocosm approach

Pharmaceutical compounds have been described as compounds of emerging concern and interest due to their ability to exert changes in aquatic ecosystems. A mesocosm approach was used to evaluate the effects of aspirin, cefixime, a combination of cefixime and aspirin on phytoplankton community, alongside a control experiment for a period of 21 days. Cefixime and aspirin increased electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids but decreased nitrate by the 21st day of the experiment. pH was not significantly affected by the treatments. Total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were all decreased by the combination of cefixime and aspirin by the 21st day of the experiment. Aspirin and a combination of aspirin and cefixime decreased total carotenoids by the 21st day of the experiment. Cefixime increased protein component by the last day of the experiment. Aspirin increased lipid content significantly by the 7th day of the experiment. Carbohydrate composition was not significantly affected by the treatments. Cefixime and aspirin decreased malondialdehyde by the 21st day of the study. The results suggest that cefixime and aspirin have the capacity to alter the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. Further research should be conducted to determine effects of drug combination on the phytoplankton community