The effect of fullerenes and functionalized fullerenes on Daphnia magna phototaxis and swimming behavior

The effects of carbon fullerenes (C₆₀) on the environment is a growing concern as the use of nanotechnology continues to increase. Previous studies have reported alteration in Daphnia magna behavior, including increased hopping frequency, heart rate, and appendage movement in response to tetrahydrofuran-solubilized C₆₀ and increased hopping rate and appendage movement in response to tetrahydrofuran-solubilized C₆₀HxC₇₀Hx exposure. The objective of the current study was to evaluate effects of water-stirred C₆₀ and sonicated carboxylic acid functionalized fullerenes (fC₆₀) on D. magna behavior. Behavioral endpoints are important because changes in behavior can influence predator avoidance behaviors, alter predation risk, and potentially lead to population-level effects in D. magna. To evaluate the potential effect of fullerenes on phototactic behavior, D. magna were exposed to 545.4μg/L C₆₀ and 545.6μg/L fC₆₀, and vertical position was monitored. Daphnia magna were also exposed to 545.4μg/L C₆₀, 545.6μg/L fC₆₀, and 829.3μg/L fC₆₀, and swimming movements were recorded. Fullerenes altered the vertical migration response of D. magna to the addition of food, but D. magna vertical position response to predator cues was similar for fullerenes and controls. In addition, D. magna reduced swimming speed when exposed to C₆₀, but other components of D. magna swimming behavior were not affected. This research supports previous findings and suggests that C₆₀ may influence D. magna behavior and highlights the need for further research on sublethal behavioral modifications in aquatic organisms in response to nanomaterials.