Lymnaea stagnalis as a freshwater model invertebrate for ecotoxicological studies

Abstract

Lymnaea stagnalis, also referred to as great or common pond snail, is an abundant and widespread invertebrate species colonizing temperate limnic systems. Given the species importance, studies involving L. stagnalis have the potential to produce scientifically relevant information, leading to a better understanding of the damage caused by aquatic contamination, as well as the modes of action of toxicants. Lymnaea stagnalis individuals are easily maintained in laboratory conditions, with a lifespan of about two years. The snails are hermaphrodites and sexual maturity occurs about three months after egg laying. Importantly, they can produce a high number of offspring all year round and are considered well suited for use in investigations targeting the identification of developmental and reproductive impairments. The primary aims of this review were two-fold: i) to provide an updated and insightful compilation of established toxicological measures determined in both chronic and acute toxicity assays, as useful tool to the design and development of future research; and ii) to provide a state of the art related to direct toxicant exposure and its potentially negative effects on this species. Relevant and informative studies were analysed and discussed. Knowledge gaps in need to be addressed in the near future were further identified.

Keywords: Aquatic environments; Bioindicator; Sublethal effects; Toxicological measures; Water contamination.