Assessment of aluminium toxicity on Dugesia tigrina: implications for reproduction, behaviour, and enzymatic metabolism

ABSTRACT

Aluminium (Al) is the eighth most prevalent metallic contaminant in global aquatic environments. This study explores the toxicity of Al and the acidity generated in the aquatic environment, using Dugesia tigrina, elucidating its environmental repercussions. The research uniquely highlights reproductive, behaviours and enzymatic effects pertinent to Al toxicity. The paper evaluated median lethal concentration [LC₅₀ (96 h)], planarian mobility (pLmV), reproductive effects, glycogen content, and enzymes activities. The LC₅₀ (96 h) was 348.08 µM. The aqueous extract produced a 74.6% reduction in mobility after acute exposition, and a 34.3% decrease in glycogen content after 14 days at 100 µM Al. Fertility and fecundity decreased by 47.8% and 67.8%, respectively, after 30 days at 50 µM Al (pH 7.0), with a complete absence of cocoons at pH 5.9. Hatching time increased by 24.8% at 50 µM Al (pH 7.0). Exposure to 100 µM Al for 24 h increase enzyme activities: catalase (49%), superoxide dismutase (89.7%), and acetylcholinesterase (46%). The observed changes in enzyme activity underscore Al's adverse effects on reproduction, behaviour, and enzymatic metabolism in planarians, urging the implementation of effective environmental management strategies to mitigate potential implications for various species and ecosystems.

KEYWORDS:

• Planarian
• aluminium toxicity
• antioxidant enzymes
• reproductive effects
• glycogen
• median lethal concentration

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements to Midwestern Paraná State University (Unicentro) for the lab space and equipment in the Biochemistry and Toxicological Research Lab.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

F. Schaly

Felipe Schaly is graduated in Biological Sciences and currently works as a research assistant at the Centre for Studies in Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Research Lab in Biochemistry and Analytical Toxicology of Midwestern Paraná State University (Unicentro).

W. L. Braguini

Welligton Luciano Braguini is a professor/senior researcher in biochemistry and toxicology at Midwestern Paraná State University - Brazil. He has a doctorate in research related to biochemistry, biophysics and toxicology. He possesses extensive experience in higher education and the toxicological assessment of xenobiotics in invertebrates, with a particular focus on freshwater planarians.