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Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications
Published on: January 19, 2018
Procaine penicillin alters swimming behaviour and physiological parameters of Daphnia magna
Adam Bownik1, Brygida Ślaska2, Justyna Bochra2
1Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Science and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950, Lublin, Poland. adambownik@wp.pl.
Abstract:
Procaine penicillin (PP) is a β-lactam antibiotic widely used in human and veterinary medicine. Although PP is detected in surface water, little is known on its effects on aquatic invertebrates. Our aim was to determine the influence of PP on swimming behaviour (track density, swimming speed, turning angle, hopping frequency) and physiological activity (oxygen consumption, heart rate, thoracic limb movement) of a freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna exposed to PP at concentrations of 11.79 mg/L, 117.9 mg/L and 1179 mg/L for 2 h and 24 h. The results showed no mortality; however, reduction of swimming activity manifested by the decreased track density, swimming speed and turning angle noted in Daphnia exposed to all the concentrations of PP. Increase of oxygen consumption was observed after 2-h exposure; however, decrease of this parameter was found after 24 h. PP also reduced heart rate and thoracic limb movement in a concentration-dependent manner. The results suggest that the antibiotic should not induce mortality; however, it may affect swimming behaviour and physiological parameters of Daphnia magna particularly inhabiting aquaculture facilities with intensive antibiotic treatment. On the basis of the present results, we also suggest higher sensitivity of behavioural and physiological parameters of cladocerans than the commonly used endpoints: mortality or immobilisation and their possible application as a part of early warning systems in monitoring of surface water toxicity.
Insights
Procaine penicillin (PP) significantly impacts Daphnia magna behavior and physiology, reducing swimming activity and altering physiological responses. These effects highlight the need for monitoring aquatic environments, especially near aquaculture.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Aquatic Invertebrate Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Procaine penicillin (PP) is a widely used β-lactam antibiotic in human and veterinary medicine.
- PP presence in surface waters is confirmed, but its ecotoxicological effects on aquatic invertebrates remain largely unknown.
- Understanding PP's impact is crucial for assessing risks to freshwater ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Procaine penicillin (PP) on the swimming behavior and physiological activity of Daphnia magna.
- To determine the concentration-dependent and time-dependent responses of Daphnia magna to PP exposure.
- To evaluate the potential of behavioral and physiological parameters as early warning indicators of aquatic toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Daphnia magna were exposed to three concentrations of PP (11.79 mg/L, 117.9 mg/L, 1179 mg/L) for 2 and 24 hours.
- Swimming behavior was assessed by measuring track density, swimming speed, and turning angle.
- Physiological activity was evaluated through oxygen consumption, heart rate, and thoracic limb movement.
Main Results:
- No mortality was observed in Daphnia magna at any tested PP concentration.
- Significant reductions in swimming activity (track density, swimming speed, turning angle) were noted across all concentrations.
- Oxygen consumption initially increased after 2-h exposure but decreased after 24-h exposure.
- Heart rate and thoracic limb movement were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- Procaine penicillin (PP) does not induce mortality in Daphnia magna but significantly affects their swimming behavior and physiological functions.
- Behavioral and physiological endpoints are more sensitive indicators of PP toxicity than traditional endpoints like mortality or immobilization.
- These findings suggest the utility of cladoceran behavioral and physiological responses for early warning systems in surface water quality monitoring, particularly in areas with intensive antibiotic use.
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