Daphnia magna in bioaccumulation assessment

In our latest paper, we report a novel method for the (simultaneous) assessment of chronic toxicity and bioaccumulation potential of hydrophobic chemicals in Daphnia magna, which is faster, better suited for the assessment of superhydrophobic chemicals and a more ethical alternative to fish tests. Stable exposure conditions - also critical for meaningful assessment of hydrophobic chemicals - are ensured by passive dosing at, but also well below, the solubility limit of the compounds.

Our study proposes the depuration rate constant (k₂) as an indicator of bioaccumulation potential and demonstrates the potential of Daphnia magna as an alternative model for bioaccumulation assessment.

Why consider Daphnia for bioaccumulation studies?

• Faster depuration rates allow Daphnia magna to reach steady-state faster than Hyalella azteca and fish.
• With proper experimental design and sensitive analytical methods, both chronic toxicity and bioaccumulation can be assessed in a single experiment.
• Requires only 10 days of growth prior to bioaccumulation testing to minimise growth dilution.
• Already well established in toxicity testing and regulatory practice, easy to culture.

For more details check out the open access article here: Daphnia magna as an Alternative Model for (Simultaneous) Bioaccumulation and Chronic Toxicity Assessment─Controlled Exposure Study Indicates High Hazard of Heterocyclic PAHs

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