Accumulation of ibuprofen in endemic amphipods of Lake Baikal

Abstract

Pharmaceutical pollutants, including ibuprofen, are now ubiquitously detected in global aquatic ecosystems, exerting significant negative ecological impacts. Lake Baikal organisms have been documented to accumulate ibuprofen and related contaminants. This study quantified ibuprofen concentrations within Lake Baikals endemic amphipod fauna using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). We analyzed specimens representing key ecological groups across the genera Eulimnogammarus, Brandtia, Ommatogammarus, and Pallasea. Ibuprofen concentrations ranged from 4.19 ng/g to 1151.32 ng/g (wet weight), confirming consistent contamination in both littoral and deep-water endemic amphipod populations. Crucially, our data provide the first evidence suggesting amphipods, or their associated symbiotic microbiota, may metabolize ibuprofen. Interspecific accumulation patterns were identified, with Eulimnogammarus sp. and Brandtia sp. exhibiting distinct profiles. Furthermore, accumulation was significantly higher during spring compared to autumn samples. A negative correlation emerged between ibuprofen concentration and amphipod body mass within species. Several populations contained non-detectable levels. These findings demonstrate that endemic amphipods within Lake Baikals natural environment are exposed to and bioaccumulate the pharmaceutical pollutant ibuprofen, exhibiting species-specific, seasonal, and allometric variation in uptake.