The Effect of Gadolinium and Lanthanum on the Mortality of Daphnia magna

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) have been recently identified as emergent contaminants because of their numerous and increasing applications in technology. The impact of REEs on downstream ecosystems, notably aquatic organisms, is of particular concern, but has to date been largely overlooked. The purpose of this study were to generate toxicological information regarding these poorly studied Gadolinium and Lanthanum elements to determine the current risk associated with these elements. The results of this work indicate a notable D. magna mortality in high concentration of La and Gad. The findings from our study also indicate that Gad is more toxic than La. Due to this mortality effect of La and Gad to D. magna, it will be important for the ensuring continuity of the ecosystem to monitor especially aquatic environments and to treat them with appropriate treatment methods from contaminated environments.