E-Thesis 34 views 3 downloads
To observe the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of CBD and CBD-related compounds using the invertebrate model Lumbriculus variegatus / BENJAMIN WILLIAMS
Swansea University Author: BENJAMIN WILLIAMS
Abstract
Pharmaceutical contamination of the aquatic environment is increasing, with CBD emerging as of one particular concern due to its medicinal potential and rising use in over-the-counter and therapeutic products. It is the major non-psychoactive component of cannabis, one of the most widely used recrea...
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Swansea
2026
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Wallace, Lisa ; Davies, Nia ; Seeley, Aidan |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa72021 |
| Abstract: |
Pharmaceutical contamination of the aquatic environment is increasing, with CBD emerging as of one particular concern due to its medicinal potential and rising use in over-the-counter and therapeutic products. It is the major non-psychoactive component of cannabis, one of the most widely used recreational drugs globally. CBD has since been detected in the environment raising questions regarding its ecotoxicological profile and impact on wildlife. The lipophilic property of CBD and tendency to partition to the sediment necessitates an urgent need to elucidate its effects on aquatic communities. This study used the aquatic annelid Lumbriculus variegatus as an invertebrate model to investigate the toxicity of CBD and its associated compounds on behavioural, physiological and biochemical responses of L. variegatus. The lipophilicity of CBD, 7-OH-CBD, abn-CBD and O-1918 were estimated in silico and toxicity was assessed through an in vivo toxicity assay. Compounds were tested for their effects on stereotypical and unstimulated movements of L. variegatus. The physiological effects of CBD and 7-OH-CBD on L. variegatus were further investigated through regeneration, respiration and pulse rate assays. The biochemical response of CBD and 7-OH-CBD were then investigated through quantification of cholinesterase activity and the total energy budget (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) of L. variegatus. CBD exhibited the greatest toxicological impact with significant effects on stereotypical movement, unstimulated movement, regeneration, respiration, pulse rate and energy metabolism. 7-OH-CBD exerted significant effects on stereotypical movement, unstimulated movement and respiration. Both abn-CBD and O-1918 exhibited significant effects in stereotypical movements and unstimulated movements. Considering its increasing global use and environmental presence, CBD poses the greatest risk for aquatic biological systems of the investigated compounds with potential risk across trophic levels through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Further comprehensive research into the chronic exposure, multi-generational impact and biomagnification potential of CBD is essential for future environmental risk assessments. |
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| Keywords: |
CBD, 7-OH-CBD, Lumbriculus variegatus |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |