Toxicity of bioinputs on non-target organisms: a systematic review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36661/2596-142X.2026v8n1.15558

Keywords:

Ecotoxicology, Sublethal effects, Beneficial organisms, Environmental safety, Agricultural sustainability

Abstract

The use of bioinputs has emerged as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides, especially given the need to reduce environmental impacts and human health risks associated with the intensive use of agrochemicals. These products, derived from microorganisms, plant extracts, and nanotechnologies, have shown potential for controlling agricultural pests and diseases. However, the idea that natural compounds are intrinsically safe has been challenged by studies demonstrating ecotoxicological effects on non-target organisms, including microcrustaceans, fish, pollinators, natural enemies, and soil organisms. In this context, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review on the toxicological effects of bioinputs on non-target organisms, in order to evaluate their environmental safety and potential for sustainable agricultural use. The research was carried out through searches in national and international databases, selecting experimental studies published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 22 studies involving plant-, microbial-, and nanotechnology-based bioinputs were analyzed. The results demonstrated that many bioinputs exhibit high efficacy and greater selectivity compared with conventional synthetic pesticides; however, several compounds induced sublethal effects on non-target organisms, including oxidative stress, physiological, histopathological, immunological, and behavioral alterations, as well as impacts on microbiota and microbial communities. Aquatic organisms, especially Daphnia magna and Danio rerio, were among the most sensitive. It is concluded that bioinputs represent promising tools for sustainable agriculture; however, their environmental safety depends on formulation, dose, application method, and organism sensitivity, making ecotoxicological assessments and studies on chronic and sublethal effects essential.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Beatriz El-Tayar, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul

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  • Dr. Sandra Mendes Maziero, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul

    Graduated in Agronomy from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2008), Master's degree in Agronomy from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2011), Bachelor's degree in the Special Graduate Program for Teacher Training for Professional Education from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2014), and PhD in Agronomy with a concentration in Plant Production from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2014). Worked as an Agricultural Engineer at the Southern Association of Credit and Rural Assistance from 2012 to 2020. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor (Class B) at the Federal University of the Southern Frontier, Erechim Campus, in the Agronomy course, in the area of ​​seeds, agricultural experimentation, and plant breeding.

  • Dr. Paola Mendes Milanesi, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul

    Graduated in Agronomy from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2006), Master's degree in Agronomy (UFSM) (2009) and Doctorate in Agronomy (2012) from the same institution (both with a concentration in Plant Production/Protection of Cultivated Plants). She has experience in the area of ​​Phytopathology: Integrated Disease Management in Major Crops; Biological Control; and Alternative Control of Plant Diseases. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of the Southern Frontier (UFFS) - Erechim Campus, where she is responsible for the following subjects: Phytopathology I, Phytopathology II, Soil Biology and Ecology, Field Crops II (winter crops), Ecological Management of Pests and Diseases, and Fungicides in Major Crops in the Agronomy course at the same Campus. Supervisor of undergraduate research projects and Full Member of the Core Faculty of the Agronomy Course at UFFS - Erechim Campus.

  • Denise Cargnelutti, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul

    She holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2005), a master's degree in Toxicological Biochemistry from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2007), and a PhD in Toxicological Biochemistry from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2009). She is currently a Professor at the Federal University of the Southern Frontier, Erechim Campus. She teaches undergraduate courses in Agronomy, Biological Sciences, and Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, and is a Permanent Faculty Member in the Postgraduate Program in Agroecology and Sustainable Rural Development (UFFS-Laranjeiras do Sul Campus, PR). She leads the research group in Biodiversity, Agricultural Production Systems, and Environmental Education. She has experience in the area of ​​Biochemistry and Plant Physiology, mainly working on the following topics: Biochemistry, Enzymology, Toxicology, Oxidative Stress, Biotic and Abiotic Stresses, Antioxidants, Heavy Metals, Bioremediation, Agroecology, and Bioinputs. She is the mother of two children. She was on maternity leave in 2014 and 2016.

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19-06-2026

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Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Revista Gestão & Sustentabilidade

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Environmental Impact Assessment and Mitigation

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Copyright (c) 2026 Beatriz El-Tayar, Sandra Maria Maziero, Paola Mendes Milanesi, Denise Cargnelutti

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How to Cite

EL-TAYAR, Beatriz; MAZIERO, Sandra; MILANESI, Paola; CARGNELUTTI, Denise. Toxicity of bioinputs on non-target organisms: a systematic review. Revista Gestão & Sustentabilidade, Brasil, v. 8, n. 1, p. e15558, 2026. DOI: 10.36661/2596-142X.2026v8n1.15558. Disponível em: https://periodicos.uffs.edu.br/index.php/RGES/article/view/15558. Acesso em: 23 jun. 2026.