Abstract Nicotine is a Blife-style compound^ widely consumed
by human populations and, consequently, often found
in surface waters. This fact presents a concern for possible
effects in the aquatic ecosystems. The objective of this study
was to assess the potential lethal and sublethal toxicity of nicotine
in aquatic organisms from different trophic levels (Vibrio
fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Thamnocephalus
platyurus, and Daphnia magna). The bioassays were performed
by exposing the organisms to concentrations of nicotine
in a range of 0.5–1000 μg/L. Results showed that nicotine, at
tested concentration, was not acutely toxic to V. fischeri and
T. platyurus. On the contrary, this substance exhibited toxicity
to P. subcapitata and Daphnia magna. Thus, concentrations of
nicotine of 100 and 200 μg/L promoted an inhibition in the
growth of P. subcapitata. In addition, a concentration of
100 μg/L nicotine acted on the reproduction of the crustacean
D. magna, by decreasing the number of juveniles produced by
female. On the other hand, the results showed that concentrations
equal to or greater than 10 μg/L induced the production of
daphnids male offspring, which may indicate that nicotine is a
weak juvenoid compound of the D. magna endocrine system.
Furthermore, the result showed that concentrations tested of
this chemical have the capacity to revert the effect of
fenoxycarb, a strong juvenoid chemical insecticide. The results
of the study revealed that nicotine can induce several changes in
some of the most important key groups of the aquatic compartment,
which can compromise, in a short time, the balance of
aquatic ecosystem. Finally, a preliminary environmental risk
assessment of this stimulant was performed from the highest
measured concentration in surface water and the no observable
effect concentration value in the most sensitive species, i.e.,
D. magna. This process revealed that nicotine can produce an
important risk to aquatic organisms
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