The behavioural, toxicological, and biochemical effects of caffeine on Lumbriculus variegatus

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Grace E Labdon, Roisin Kelly-Laubscher, Margaret R. Cunningham, Nia A. Davies, Sophie G. Reed, Aidan Seeley
DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2026.104975
Cited by: 1
References: 61

Abstract

Caffeine is an emerging contaminant of concern frequently detected in freshwater systems, yet the behavioural, toxicological and biochemical effects of caffeine in aquatic invertebrates remain poorly characterised. Here, we investigate the effects of caffeine exposure on survival, behaviour, locomotion, and energy stores in the freshwater annelid Lumbriculus variegatus . Exposure to ≥5.0 mM caffeine for 10 minutes or ≥3.0 mM for 24 hours reduced stimulated behaviours, with locomotion suppressed at ≥5.0 mM (10 minutes) and ≥1.0 mM (24 hours) ( p

Fields of Study & Subjects

Coffee research and impacts Insect and Pesticide Research Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Publication details

Journal / source
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
123
Pages
104975–104975
Publication date
25 February 2026
Language
EN