Paired analytical techniques detect stressor-induced changes in metabolomics of Daphnia magna

Real world problems are complex and multi-faceted; unidimensional methods may be insufficient when used alone for the proposition of effective solutions to these issues. Thus, coupling of devices is necessary to gain different viewpoints of these concerns and for the design of improved and more suitable engineering solutions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can be utilised for the characterisation of both organic as well as inorganic materials. FTIR can be coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) to examine metabolic changes induced in environmentally and economically important bioindicators.
In this work, we characterise the response of zooplankton Daphnia magna (Strauss) following respective exposure to a medicine (aspirin) and a heavy metal (copper, from copper sulphate pollution). Our results indicate clearly distinguishable changes in the metabolomic response of the organism in question. Based on the outcome of the paired devices, these findings and interpretations of the effects of the respective stressors as explained by altered metabolic pathways in the organism can function as a basis for cross-examination and further screening. Our work is a step on the pathway to compile an expandable bioindicator-related ‘mini-database’ at crossroads of different disciplines of science including biology, pharmacy, and environmental and analytical sciences. Our findings merit further research including testing of a wide range of cues and comparatively different bio-indicators.