Impact of Caffeine on Aquatic Ecosystems: Assessing Trophic-Level Biological Responses
This study evaluates the effects of caffeine (CAF) on the bacteria <i>Aliivibrio fischeri</i>, the microalga <i>Raphidocelis subcapitata</i>, the macrophyte <i>Lemna minor</i>, and the larvae of <i>Chironomus riparius</i>, aiming to understand its envi...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Xenobiotics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/15/3/86 |
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| Summary: | This study evaluates the effects of caffeine (CAF) on the bacteria <i>Aliivibrio fischeri</i>, the microalga <i>Raphidocelis subcapitata</i>, the macrophyte <i>Lemna minor</i>, and the larvae of <i>Chironomus riparius</i>, aiming to understand its environmental impact and contribution to ecological risk assessment. Bioluminescence inhibition in <i>A. fischeri</i> (EC<sub>50</sub> = 998.5 mg/L) and growth inhibition in <i>R. subcapitata</i> and <i>L. minor</i> (EC<sub>50</sub> = 60.1 mg/L and EC<sub>50</sub> = 649.2 mg/L, respectively) were observed. For <i>L. minor</i>, reduced catalase (CAT) activity and non-linear responses in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) were recorded. No significant changes were observed in proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and pigment contents. In <i>C. riparius</i>, acute mortality (LC<sub>50</sub> = 644.5 mg/L) was observed, and growth was significantly affected after 10 days of CAF exposure (EC<sub>50</sub> = 81.62 mg/L for fresh biomass). After 10 days of exposure, there was an increase in CAT activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, with TBARS levels both at concentrations ≥82.64 mg/L, and a decrease in GSTs (92.18 mg/L) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (≤62.09 mg/L) activities of <i>C. riparius</i>. The results show that CAF exposure affects organisms’ metabolic and physiological functions, with varying sensitivities among species, potentially leading to ecological disturbances in aquatic ecosystems. The hazardous concentration for 5% of species was 4.42 mg/L. Long-term studies are necessary to understand the risk of caffeine under more realistic scenarios. |
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| ISSN: | 2039-4705 2039-4713 |