Effects of Caffeine Exposure on Behaviour, Development and Physiology of the Freshwater Snail Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805)

Caffeine (CAF), a prevalent psychoactive compound, has been identified as a significant environmental pollutant in freshwater ecosystems. This study investigates the behavioral and physiological effects of CAF at environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 5, 30, and 50 µg/L) on the freshwater snail <i>Physella acuta</i>, with a focus on both adult and embryonic responses. Adult snails were evaluated for alterations in speed, exploration, overall activity levels, and feeding behaviors, while embryos were assessed for heart rate and developmental changes. The study encompassed both short-term (24 h) and mid-term (7 days) exposure periods. Low CAF concentrations (5 and 30 µg/L) were found to enhance adult movement and exploratory behavior in the short term, whereas prolonged exposure resulted in a decline in these behaviors. A high CAF concentration (50 µg/L) consistently diminished movement and feeding in adults. Embryos exhibited a dose-dependent increase in heart rate and manifested malformations at elevated concentrations. These findings provide insights into the impact of CAF on freshwater invertebrates and contribute valuable data for ecological risk assessment.