Planarian Exposure to the Herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D)

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used agricultural pesticide, primarily on crops such as corn, soybean, and wheat; in recent years, its global usage has increased. Exposure to this pesticide has been linked to adverse effects, including reproductive disorders, genetic alterations, carcinogenic effects, and endocrine disruption. Planarians, aquatic flatworms with simple anatomy, are often used in toxicological studies due to their sensitivity to various stimuli, including chemicals, and their ability to exhibit reproducible behaviors in response to exposure. This study investigates the effects of 2,4-D exposure on planarians at concentrations of 0, 25, 40, 50, 60, 75, and 100 mg/L over a 7-day period. Pain behaviors were monitored at 15-minute, 1-hour, 3-hour, and 5-hour intervals, and survival rates were assessed across the concentrations. These results provide insights into the behavioral and survival impacts of 2,4-D on planarians, contributing to the understanding of its broader ecological and health effects.