Transgenerational Effects of Atrazine on Daphnia magna Based on Life-History Traits and Population Dynamics

Atrazine is a predominant herbicide globally, and its residues are commonly found in natural water bodies due to its extensive use. Atrazine is known for its detrimental effects on the reproductive abilities of aquatic plants and animals. Our study explored the impact of maternal exposure to atrazine on the survival and performance of offspring using the water flea Daphnia magna as a model organism. We investigated how the life-history traits and population dynamics of maternal D. magna and their offspring are influenced by atrazine. We hypothesized that exposure to atrazine in mothers would negatively affect the survival and performance of their offspring. The findings revealed that short-term exposure to atrazine adversely affects fitness-related traits, manifesting as decreased survivorship and reduced fecundity. Offspring from atrazine-exposed mothers displayed a limited recovery in fitness; no mortality was observed during the 14-day experiment, yet fecundity remained significantly reduced. At the population level, maternal exposure to atrazine led to a decreased population carrying capacity. The notable maternal effects on offspring reproduction underscore the long-term toxicity of atrazine to D. magna populations, suggesting prolonged consequences even after the cessation of atrazine pollution. This study underscores the transgenerational effects of atrazine, highlighting its persistent threat to D. magna populations.