Ecotoxicity effects of 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC) on the swimming behaviour of Daphnia magna: preliminary data
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: The continuous release of various compounds can have potentially harmful effects on non-target organisms, raising concerns about the ecosystem and human health (1,2). 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC) is a chiral synthetic cathinone, classified as a new psychoactive substance (NPS) with similar effects to amphetamines and posing potential toxicological risks (3). After consumption, 3-CMC and its metabolites are excreted in urine and reach surface water via sewage, due to inefficient removal in wastewater treatment plants. (4). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the ecotoxicity of racemate 3-CMC on the swimming behaviour parameters using the freshwater microcrustacean, Daphnia magna, as an aquatic model. Methods: Neonates were used in a total of 20 daphnids per replicate, in a total of 5 replicates per group. The organisms were exposed to 260, 325 and 520 μg/L nominal sublethal concentrations of racemate 3-CMC for 9 days based on a previous 48 h immobilization assay. Daphniids were kept in moderately hard reconstituted water (MHRW) at 20 °C ± 2 °C, with a cycle of 16:8 h (light/dark) and fed every 48 h with Raphidocelis subcapitata suspension. Swimming behaviour was evaluated considering swimming speed, active time and total distance travelled. Results: No significant differences were observed in both active time and swimming speed. However, a significant decrease was observed in the total distance travelled at the highest concentration (520 μg/L). Conclusions: These results suggest that 3-CMC has a limited impact in the swimming behaviour of D. magna. However, additional physiological parameters are under evaluation to better understand the global effects of this environmental contaminant.
Source: Science Letters
DOI: 10.48797/sl.2025.368
Authors: António, João, Langa, Ivan, Carvalho, Ana, Vidal, Renata, Tiritan, Maria, Ribeiro, Cláudia
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W6966794039
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: