Application of Moina mongolica and Daphniopsis tibetana in marine ecotoxicology studies in China: A review

Moina mongolica and Daphniopsis tibetana are typical saline Cladocera in China that are characterized by a wide salinity range, rapid reproduction, and high-density culture. In this paper, the characteristics and life history of M. mongolica and D. tibetana are reviewed. The application of these two species of Cladocera to ecotoxicology in recent years is also summarized from the aspects of environmental factors and environmental pollutants, including ultraviolet B radiation, temperature, salinity, alkalinity, pH, heavy metals, harmful red tide, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the toxicity sensitivity of saline Cladocera in different reproductive statuses and inter-generational embryos is discussed. Finally, the need to enhance knowledge of the molecular genomics, population dynamics, and strategies for protection of saline Cladocera, along with the need for establishment of estuarine and marine environmental monitoring standards are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the potential for using these Cladocera species as indicator organisms for estuarine and marine ecotoxicology studies.