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Why are earthworms, fathead minnows, water fleas, and mussels used as sentinel species in environmental metabolomics?

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Diagram illustrating metabolism with two sections: anabolic reaction on the left shows energy used to build larger molecules from smaller ones, while catabolic reaction on the right shows larger molecules breaking down into smaller molecules with energy released. — Metabolomics In anabolic reactions, a cell uses energy to combine small molecules into larger molecules. In catabolic reactions, molecules are broken down, and energy is released.

In environmental metabolomics, earthworms, fathead minnows, water fleas, and mussels are utilized as sentinel species because they readily accumulate pollutants from their surroundings.1

By studying the molecular physiology of these small animals, scientists can gain functional insights into how environmental stressors—such as chemical pollutants—impact the health of an ecosystem. These organisms serve as effective biological indicators across various habitats:1

Terrestrial: Earthworms are used to monitor soil environments.1
Freshwater: Fathead minnows and water fleas serve as indicators for freshwater systems.1
Marine: Mussels are employed to assess the health of marine environments.1

Because these species accumulate contaminants, they provide researchers with a practical way to measure the physiological effects of environmental degradation on natural communities.1