Effects of Acetaminophen Contamination on 5-Methylcytosine Content in Zea mays and Plant Physiological Parameters

Zea mays L. plants were exposed to acetaminophen (APAP). Experiments were conducted in an experimental greenhouse with semi-controlled conditions. Experimental plants were grown in concentrations of APAP of 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg L−1 for 14 days in an NFT hydroponic system. The impact of APAP contamination was observed on photosynthetic rate, water potential, proline content, and levels of 5-methylcytosine (5 mC%). The results showed that the selected parameters were influenced by different concentrations of APAP. High concentrations of APAP caused a decrease in transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency. The water potential between the control and highest APAP concentration value increased by 388%. An upward trend of 5 mC% levels was observed, growing with APAP contamination. A 51% growth of 5 mC% was found between the control variant and the highest 1000 mg L−1 APAP contaminated variant. In most of the observed parameters, between 600 mg L−1 and 800 mg L−1 of APAP treatments, a turning point was shown with a noticeable increase in the stress in experimental plants according to the changes in the monitored parameters.