Evaluation of Aluminum Effects to Freshwater Planarian Dugesia tigrina (Girard, 1850)

Abstract

Abstract The toxicity and reproductive effects of aluminum to freshwater worm Dugesia tigrina were investigated by LC50 (96h) evaluation, locomotor activity (pLmV), glycogen content, reproductive effects (fertility and fecundity). The results revealed an LC50 (96 h) of 348.08 µM Al. Planarian mobility reduced by 74.6% with 100 µM Al, and glycogen content were reduced by 34.3% at 150 µM Al. Fecundity and fertility were reduced by 47.8 and 67.8%, respectively, in planarians treated with 50 µM Al (pH 7.0). The number of cocoons was reduced by 100% with 50 µM Al (pH 5.9). The time until hatching was extended by 24.8% for planarian cocoons incubated in 50 µM Al at pH 7.0. The data showed that the acidic environment generated by the AlCl3 solubilization, and Al itself, cause toxicity in planarians. The presence of Al in effluents or water from rivers and lakes is a silent contaminant for aquatic animals because it changes the pH of the water. Notwithstanding the impact of Al on other species and environments, it is necessary to establish methods for meaningful and responsible environmental management of Al waste rolled out into the environment. The results provide a comprehensive evaluation of the toxicological effects that aluminum has on flatworms and aquatic environment.