# Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Propylparaben in the Freshwater Snail Biomphalaria glabrata: Effects on Survival, Growth, Reproduction, and Histopathology

## TL;DR

This study shows that propylparaben, a common preservative, harms freshwater snails by affecting their survival, growth, reproduction, and tissue health.

## Contribution

The study provides new experimental evidence on the acute and chronic toxicity of propylparaben in Biomphalaria glabrata across multiple life stages.

## Key findings

- Acute exposure to propylparaben caused concentration-dependent mortality and developmental inhibition in snail embryos, hatchlings, and adults.
- Chronic exposure reduced growth and reproduction in adult snails, with no embryos observed at concentrations ≥ 25 mg/L.
- Histological analysis revealed progressive damage to the hepatopancreas and gonads in exposed snails.

## Abstract

Propylparaben (PP) is a widely used preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products, and its potential toxicity to non-target aquatic invertebrates remains a concern. This study used the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata as a model organism to evaluate the toxic effects of PP through acute and chronic exposures at embryonic, newly hatched, and adult stages. Acute exposure experiments showed concentration-dependent mortality and developmental inhibition, with LC50 values of 36.69 mg/L (embryos, 168 h), 33.48 mg/L (newly hatched snails, 96 h), and 57.05 mg/L (adults, 72 h). Chronic exposure of adult snails to 10–49 mg/L PP for 21 days significantly reduced growth and reproductive output, and no embryo masses were observed at concentrations ≥ 25 mg/L. Histological observations revealed progressive damage to the hepatopancreas and gonads. These results demonstrate that PP induces multiple toxic effects in B. glabrata, affecting survival, growth, reproduction, and tissue structure under both acute and chronic exposure conditions. The findings provide experimental evidence for evaluating the ecological risks of paraben contamination in freshwater ecosystems.