Evaluation of the toxic effect of metaphedrone on earthworms of the species Eisenia fetida using avoidance behaviour and reproduction assay

Abstract

The increased consumption of psychoactive substances (PAS) has generated environmental concern, due to the consequent increase of SPAs in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Methaphedrone (3-MMC) is a synthetic cathinone excreted in the urine after consumption and may reach the environment. Due to the presence of SPAs in the soil, it is important to study the effects they may have on soil organisms. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the possible toxic effects of 3-MMC on earthworms of the species Eisenia fetida. Different concentrations (25, 250 and 2500 µg kg-1) were tested on avoidance behaviour and reproduction of E. fetida over 48 hours and 56 days, respectively. The different concentrations tested did not induce significant effects on the avoidance percentage or the number of hatched juveniles. These results show that this SPA does not affect the parameters studied, however, it may be relevant to carry out longer studies, test exposure to mixtures of SPAs, as well as to evaluate the effects of this substance on other edaphic invertebrates with a relevant role in the ecology of agricultural soils.