Behavioural and Biochemical Responses of the Sea Snail Tritia Reticulata to Lithium Concentration Gradient

Abstract

Lithium (Li) is present in many modern technologies, most notably in rechargeable batteries. Inefficient recycling strategies for electronic waste containing this element may result in its release into aquatic systems, increasing concentrations above natural levels, which in turn may induce harmful effects on wildlife. The present study evaluated the effect of Li contamination on Tritia reticulata (Linnaeus, 1785) exposed to different concentrations of Li (100, 200, 400 and 800 µg L-1) for 21 days. Biochemical analyses showed that this species was not significantly affected by this contaminant at the cellular level, as no significant differences were observed in terms of metabolism, energy reserves, antioxidant and biotransformation capacity, as well as neurotoxicity. However, cellular damage was observed at 200 µg L-1 of Li. Behavioural alterations were recorded, namely, concerning burying capacity, which may indicate that snails attempted to avoid Li accumulation by burying in the sediment at a faster rate when exposed to the highest concentrations (400 and 800 µg L-1). More research is needed to fully assess the response of T. reticulata to Li contamination, such as longer exposure periods (of 28 days) and measuring other endpoints that could represent earlier warning signals, such as respiration capacity.

Keywords: e-waste, contamination, gastropods, behaviour, metabolism, oxidative stress