New insights into the toxicity of landfill leachate to zebrafish and mung beans

Abstract Landfill leachate have become a major public health concern because of their adverse effects on health. Due to its complex composition, the toxicological effects have yet to be evaluated. In this study, we use two model organisms: zebrafish and mung beans, to assess the toxic effects of landfill leachate. The results showed that low concentrations of waste leachate promoted the growth of mung beans, while high concentrations severely affected the growth and development of seedlings. Furthermore, landfill leachate caused a decrease in chlorophyll levels and malondialdehyde levels increased, significantly increased the rate of root tip micronuclei. In addition, zebrafish embryos exposed with 0.5%, 1%, 1.2%, 1.5% (v/v) landfill leachate, which was shown significantly reduced levels of embryonic incubation rate and heart rate, while the rates of mortality and malformation were increased. 1.0% of the landfill leachate in the experiment can result in a decrease in spontaneous movement frequency of embryos and the light stimulation reaction. The number of black and white area explore and mirror attacks were reduced. In general, these results help to understand the environmental toxicity of the landfill leachate, providing additional reference data for the risk assessment and management of landfill leachate.