Fluoroquinolones and trace elements in poultry litter: estimation of environmental load based on nitrogen requirement for crops

Abstract

Poultry litter soil application contributes to sustainability of agricultural systems and is in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG). Poultry litter recommended rates are based on crop nitrogen (N) needs, however, their application can be a potential source of antibiotics and trace elements overload. The aim of the study was to estimate the role of poultry litter application on soil contamination by fluoroquinolones [enrofloxacin (ENR) and ciprofloxacin (CIP)] and trace elements, based on N requirements for crops. Analytical and sampling techniques were used to estimate the loads from poultry litter application. Only CIP was found in poultry litter samples (283 ± 124 µg kg⁻¹) and its load was estimated to be of 9.89 ± 4.33 g ha⁻¹, for the poultry litter application (35 t ha⁻¹). The estimated loads (g ha⁻¹) of trace elements were: Cr 9.19 ± 3.26, Ni 12.3 ± 4.93, Pb 22.0 ± 8.26, Cu 229 ± 85.6, Mn 691 ± 259 and Zn 1,011 ± 378. These estimates were 900% higher than those recommended by the technical guidance, while N exceeded 600% the recommended application. In order to achieve UN-SDGs, local policies to disseminate knowledge and technologies are required for consolidating sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords:

• Agricultural sustainability
• antibiotics
• ciprofloxacin
• enrofloxacin
• environmental contamination
• heavy metals
• manure
• pollution

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank to poultry farmers from SJVRP for their essential contribution to the work.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications/National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (MCTI/CNPq) Universal - 01/2016, process 426192/2016-8 and by Carlos Chagas Filho Research Support Foundation of Rio de Janeiro State (FAPERJ). CETP has a PNPD – Coordination and Improvement of Higher Level or Education Personnel (CAPES) grant and OM has a “Cientista do Nosso Estado” grant from Carlos Chagas Filho Research Support Foundation of Rio de Janeiro State (FAPERJ). JPMT has research grants from FAPERJ (E-26/203.008/2016) and CNPq (PQ-1A proc. 302105/2015-8). PRD has a research grant from CNPq (PQ-2 proc. 308733/2019-3).