Biomphalaria glabrata(mollusc, gastropod), in different development stages were treated with D2O at 1% and 0.1 v/v in H2O (~5 times natural abundance). Besides a high mortality rate in relation to the controls an amazing slow rate of development was observed. Surprisingly, this animal may be kept for ~1/3 of its life in reduced dimensions. Recovering is however possible. Upon return to normal conditions they resume development reaching adult stage in a much longer period of time as compared to the controls. The actual role of isotopes in nature is discussed.
Biomphalaria glabrata; deuterium; environment; isotope; toxicology
