Effects of manufactured nanomaterials on fishes: a target organ and body systems physiology approach

Histopathological effects of silver and copper nanoparticles on the epidermis, gills, and liver of Siberian sturgeon

The influence of nanoparticles (NPs) on aquatic environments is still poorly documented. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of silver (AgNPs) and copper (CuNPs) nanoparticles on larval Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) after 21 days of exposure. Acute toxicity of AgNPs on Siberian sturgeon was investigated in a 96-h static renewal study and compared with the toxicity of CuNPs. The AgNPs and CuNPs 96 h mean lethal concentrations (96 h LC50) were 15.03 ± 2.91 and 1.41 ± 0.24 mg L(-1), respectively. Toxicity tests were done in triplicates for each concentration of AgNPs 0.1, 0.5, 1.5 mg L(-1) and CuNPs 0.01, 0.05, 0.15 mg L(-1). The control group was exposed in freshwater. The results indicate that AgNPs and CuNPs exposure negatively influenced survival; body length and mass; and morphology and physiology of the epidermis, gills, and liver of Siberian sturgeon larvae. Fish exposed to AgNPs and CuNPs showed similar pathological changes: irregular structure and pyknotic nuclei of epidermis, aplasia and/or fusion of lamellae, telangiectasis, epithelial necrosis and lifting of the gills, dilation of sinusoidal space, overfilled blood vessels, and pyknotic nuclei of the liver. Fish exposed to CuNPs only demonstrated hyaline degeneration in the gills epithelium and liver. The study shows that CuNPs were more toxic to Siberian sturgeon larvae than AgNPs.

Copper oxide and zinc oxide nanomaterials act as inhibitors of multidrug resistance transport in sea urchin embryos: their role as chemosensitizers

The ability of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) to act as inhibitors of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters in embryos of white sea urchin (Lytechinus pictus) was studied. Nanocopper oxide (nano-CuO), nanozinc oxide (nano-ZnO), and their corresponding metal ions (CuSO4 and ZnSO4) were used as target chemicals. The results showed that nano-CuO, nano-ZnO, CuSO4, and ZnSO4, even at relatively low concentrations (0.5 ppm), significantly increased calcein-AM (CAM, an indicator of ABC transporter activity) accumulation in sea urchin embryos at different stages of development. Exposure to nano-CuO, a very low solubility NM, at increasing times after fertilization (>30 min) decreased CAM accumulation, but nano-ZnO (much more soluble NM) did not, indicating that metal ions could cross the hardened fertilization envelope, but not undissolved metal oxide NMs. Moreover, nontoxic levels (0.5 ppm) of nano-CuO and nano-ZnO significantly increased developmental toxicity of vinblastine (an established ABC transporter substrate) and functioned as chemosensitizers. The multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP, one of ABC transporters) inhibitor MK571 significantly increased copper concentrations in embryos, indicating ABC transporters are important in maintaining low intracellular copper levels. We show that low concentrations of nano-CuO and nano-ZnO can make embryos more susceptible to other contaminants, representing a potent amplification of nanomaterial-related developmental toxicity.

The lead accumulation and hematological findings in juvenile rock fish Sebastes schlegelii exposed to the dietary lead (II) concentrations

Juvenile rockfish (mean length 14.2 ± 1.9 cm, and mean weight 57.3 ± 5.2g) were exposed for 4 weeks with the different levels of dietary lead (Pb(2+)) at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg/L. The exposure concentration and period of Pb have induced significant amount of it the specific tissues of rockfish. The highest Pb accumulation was observed in the kidney tissue by the dietary lead exposure. The growth rate and hepatosomatic index were considerably inhibited over 120 mg/kg. The hematological parameters such as red blood cell (RBC) counts, hematocrit (Ht) value, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were significantly decreased over 60 mg/kg Pb concentration. In the inorganic components, the values of calcium and magnesium in plasma were significantly decreased. The glucose and cholesterol values were notably increased, whereas total protein was decreased. The enzyme components, glutamic oxalate transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), were significantly elevated by the dietary lead exposure, but no change was observed in alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

Use of an exposure chamber to maintain aqueous phase nanoparticle dispersions for improved toxicity testing in fish

A novel chamber for maintaining aqueous phase dispersions of nanoparticles (NPs) to enable improved toxicity testing in larval zebrafish was developed. Aqueous concentrations were within 80% of initial NP concentrations, and the 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) values were highly reproducible (coefficient of variation <0.16, n = 3 tests). Significantly lower toxicity for each NP tested (Ag, Cu, and TiO2 NPs) in static beakers suggested that traditional acute toxicity tests may underestimate aqueous phase toxicity of NPs.

Ecotoxicological effects of carbofuran and oxidised multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the freshwater fish Nile tilapia: nanotubes enhance pesticide ecotoxicity

The interactions of carbon nanotubes with pesticides, such as carbofuran, classical contaminants (e.g., pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and dyes) and emerging contaminants, including endocrine disruptors, are critical components of the environmental risks of this important class of carbon-based nanomaterials. In this work, we studied the modulation of acute carbofuran toxicity to the freshwater fish Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by nitric acid treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes, termed HNO3-MWCNT. Nitric acid oxidation is a common chemical method employed for the purification, functionalisation and aqueous dispersion of carbon nanotubes. HNO3-MWCNT were not toxic to Nile tilapia at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 mg/L for exposure times of up to 96 h. After 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, the LC50 values of carbofuran were 4.0, 3.2, 3.0 and 2.4 mg/mL, respectively. To evaluate the influence of carbofuran-nanotube interactions on ecotoxicity, we exposed the Nile tilapia to different concentrations of carbofuran mixed together with a non-toxic concentration of HNO3-MWCNT (1.0 mg/L). After 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure, the LC50 values of carbofuran plus nanotubes were 3.7, 1.6, 0.7 and 0.5 mg/L, respectively. These results demonstrate that HNO3-MWCNT potentiate the acute toxicity of carbofuran, leading to a more than five-fold increase in the LC50 values. Furthermore, the exposure of Nile tilapia to carbofuran plus nanotubes led to decreases in both oxygen consumption and swimming capacity compared to the control. These findings indicate that carbon nanotubes could act as pesticide carriers affecting fish survival, metabolism and behaviour.

Low bioavailability of silver nanoparticles presents trophic toxicity to marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Concerns for the potential risks of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to aquatic organisms have increased. The present study investigated the trophic transfer of AgNPs from brine shrimp (Artemia salina) nauplii to marine medaka. We found that the aggregated AgNPs (20 and 80 nm) and well dispersed 80-nm AgNPs (stabilized by 20 μM Tween 20) could be readily accumulated by brine shrimp, while far less well-dispersed 20-nm AgNPs were accumulated. The assimilation efficiency (AE) of AgNPs in medaka fed AgNPs-contaminated brine shrimp was low (<6%), resulting in a low trophic transfer efficiency (0.01-0.04) after 28 days of chronic dietary exposure. However, such low bioavailability of dietary AgNPs could inhibit the whole-body Na+/K+-ATPase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the fish within the first 2 weeks of exposure. Significant (p<0.05, two-way ANOVA) inhibition occurred in the high AgNPs-contaminated brine shrimp treatment over 28 days of chronic exposure. Furthermore, reduced growth and water content percentage were also observed in fish fed high dosages of AgNPs-contaminated brine shrimp. Our study highlighted the potential of trophically available AgNPs in bringing toxicity to the marine fish.

Sublethal effects of CuO nanoparticles on Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) are modulated by environmental salinity

The increasing use of manufactured nanoparticles (NP) in different applications has triggered the need to understand their putative ecotoxicological effects in the environment. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) are toxic, and induce oxidative stress and other pathophysiological conditions. The unique properties of NP can change depending on the characteristics of the media they are suspended in, altering the impact on their toxicity to aquatic organisms in different environments. Here, Mozambique tilapia (O. mossambicus) were exposed to flame synthesized CuO NP (0.5 and 5 mg·L⁻¹) in two environmental contexts: (a) constant freshwater (FW) and (b) stepwise increase in environmental salinity (SW). Sublethal effects of CuO NP were monitored and used to dermine exposure endpoints. Fish exposed to 5 mg·L⁻¹ CuO in SW showed an opercular ventilation rate increase, whereas fish exposed to 5 mg·L⁻¹ in FW showed a milder response. Different effects of CuO NP on antioxidant enzyme activities, accumulation of transcripts for metal-responsive genes, GSH∶GSSG ratio, and Cu content in fish gill and liver also demonstrate that additive osmotic stress modulates CuO NP toxicity. We conclude that the toxicity of CuO NP depends on the particular environmental context and that salinity is an important factor for modulating NP toxicity in fish.

Tracking and quantification of single-walled carbon nanotubes in fish using near infrared fluorescence

Detection of SWCNTs in complex matrices presents a unique challenge as common techniques lack spatial resolution and specificity. Near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) has emerged as a valuable tool for detecting and quantifying SWCNTs in environmental samples by exploiting their innate fluorescent properties. The objective of this study was to optimize NIRF-based imaging and quantitation methods for tracking and quantifying SWCNTs in an aquatic vertebrate model in conjunction with assessing toxicological end points. Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed by single gavage to SWCNTs and their distribution was tracked using a custom NIRF imaging system for 7 days. No overt toxicity was observed in any of the SWCNT treated fish; however, histopathology observations from gastrointestinal (GI) tissue revealed edema within the submucosa and altered mucous cell morphology. NIRF images showed strong SWCNT-derived fluorescence signals in whole fish and excised intestinal tissues. Fluorescence was not detected in other tissues examined, indicating that no appreciable intestinal absorption occurred. SWCNTs were quantified in intestinal tissues using a NIRF spectroscopic method revealing values that were consistent with the pattern of fluorescence observed with NIRF imaging. Results of this work demonstrate the utility of NIRF imaging as a valuable tool for examining uptake and distribution of SWCNTs in aquatic vertebrates.

Minimal effects of waterborne exposure to single-walled carbon nanotubes on behaviour and physiology of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Fish behaviours are often considered to be sensitive endpoints of waterborne contaminants, but little attention has been given to engineered nanomaterials. The present study aimed to determine the locomotor and social behaviours of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during waterborne exposure to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and to ascertain the physiological basis for any observed effects. Dispersed stock suspensions of SWCNTs were prepared by stirring in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), an anionic surfactant, on an equal w/w basis. Trout were exposed to control (no SWCNT or SDS), 0.25 mg L(-1) SDS (dispersant control), or 0.25 mg L(-1) of SWCNT for 10 days. Video tracking analysis of spontaneous locomotion of individual fish revealed no significant effects of SWCNT on mean velocity when active, total distance moved, or the distribution of swimming speeds. Hepatic glycogen levels were also unaffected. Fish exposed to SWCNTs retained competitive fitness when compelled to compete in energetically costly aggressive interactions with fish from both control groups. Assessment of the respiratory physiology of the fish revealed no significant changes in ventilation rate or gill injuries. Haematocrit and haemoglobin concentrations in the blood were unaffected by SWCNT exposure; and the absence of changes in the red and white pulp of the spleen excluded a compensatory haematopoietic response to protect the circulation. Despite some minor histological changes in the kidneys of fish exposed to SWCNT compared to controls, plasma ion concentrations and tissue electrolytes were largely unaffected. Direct neurotoxicity of SWCNT was unlikely with the brains showing mostly normal histology, and with no effects on acetylcholinesterase or Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities in whole brain homogenates. The minimal effects of waterborne exposure to SWCNT observed in this study are in contrast to our previous report of SWCNT toxicity in trout, suggesting that details of the dispersion method and co-exposure concentration of the dispersing agent may alter toxicity.

Effects of polymer-coated metal oxide nanoparticles on goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) neutrophil viability and function

Exposure effects from polyacrylic acid (PAA) metal-oxide nanoparticles (TiO2, CeO2, Fe2O3, ZnO) on fish neutrophil viability and effector functions (degranulation, respiratory burst, inflammatory gene expression) were investigated using primary kidney goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) neutrophils as a model. Several studies have reported cytotoxic effects of NPs but there are limited reports on their potential to perturb the innate immune system of aquatic organisms. PAA-TiO2 significantly decreased neutrophil viability in a time and dose-dependent manner at all measured time points (0-48 h) and concentrations (0-200 µg/mL). Maximum viability decreased by (mean ± SEM): 67.1 ± 3.3%, 78.4 ± 4.2% and 74.9 ± 5.0% when exposed to 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL for 48 h, respectively. PAA-ZnO also significantly decreased neutrophil viability but only at 48 h exposures at higher concentrations. Neutrophil degranulation increased by approximately 3% after 30 min and by 8% after 4 h when exposed to sublethal doses (10 µg/mL) of PAA-CeO2 or PAA-Fe2O3. All PAA-NPs induced an increase in neutrophil respiratory burst when exposed to 10 µg/mL for 30 and 60 min, however, PAA-Fe2O3 was the only NP where the response was significant. Lastly, NPs altered the expression of a number of pro-inflammatory and immune genes, where PAA-TiO2 most significantly increased the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes (il-1b, ifng) in neutrophils by 3 and 2.5 times, respectively. Together, these data demonstrate that goldfish neutrophils can be negatively affected from exposures to PAA-coated NPs and are functionally responsive to specific core-material properties at sublethal doses. These changes could perturb the innate response and affect the ability of fish to respond to pathogens.

Critical comparison of intravenous injection of TiO2 nanoparticles with waterborne and dietary exposures concludes minimal environmentally-relevant toxicity in juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

A critical comparison of studies that have investigated tissue accumulation and toxicity of TiO2-NPs in fish is necessary to resolve inconsistencies. The present study used identical TiO2-NPs, toxicological endpoints, and fish (juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss) as previous studies that investigated waterborne and dietary toxicity of TiO2-NPs, and conducted a critical comparison of results after intravenous caudal-vein injection of 50 μg of TiO2-NPs and bulk TiO2. Injected TiO2-NPs accumulated only in kidney (94% of measured Ti) and to a lesser extent in spleen; and injected bulk TiO2 was found only in kidney. No toxicity of TiO2 was observed in kidney, spleen, or other tissues. Critical comparison of these data with previous studies indicates that dietary and waterborne exposures to TiO2-NPs do not lead to Ti accumulation in internal tissues, and previous reports of minor toxicity are inconsistent or attributable to respiratory distress resulting from gill occlusion during waterborne exposure.

Bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity of carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have numerous industrial applications and may be released to the environment. In the aquatic environment, pristine or functionalized CNT have different dispersion behavior, potentially leading to different risks of exposure along the water column. Data included in this review indicate that CNT do not cross biological barriers readily. When internalized, only a minimal fraction of CNT translocate into organism body compartments. The reported CNT toxicity depends on exposure conditions, model organism, CNT-type, dispersion state and concentration. In the ecotoxicological tests, the aquatic organisms were generally found to be more sensitive than terrestrial organisms. Invertebrates were more sensitive than vertebrates. Single-walled CNT were found to be more toxic than double-/multi-walled CNT. Generally, the effect concentrations documented in literature were above current modeled average environmental concentrations. Measurement data are needed for estimation of environmental no-effect concentrations. Future studies with benchmark materials are needed to generate comparable results. Studies have to include better characterization of the starting materials, of the dispersions and of the biological fate, to obtain better knowledge of the exposure/effect relationships.

Association of Hg2+ with aqueous (C60)n aggregates facilitates increased bioavailability of Hg2+ in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) can associate with toxicants in the aqueous phase and these associations can influence the environmental fate, transport, and bioavailability of these toxicants in organisms. Dissolved metals (e.g., Hg(2+)) can be toxic in aquatic organisms, and, if metals associate with NPs in the aqueous phase, changes in bioavailability and toxicology may result. Here we demonstrated that Hg(2+) (25 μg/L) can associate with aqueous (C60)n (termed nC60) and increase aggregate size and settlement of nC60 aggregates out of the water column over 24 h. The concentration of C60 was directly related to concentration of Hg for nC60 aggregates that settled to the bottom of the container. Bioavailability of Hg(2+) in larval zebrafish Danio rerio, evaluated by assessment of metallothionein gene (mt2) expression, was reduced in the water column when nC60was present. However, zebrafish residing at the container bottom and exposed to nC60 aggregates with associated Hg(2+) had elevated expression of mt2 when compared to fish exposed to 25 μg/L Hg(2+) preparations without nC60, which indicated nC60 led to a localized increase in Hg(2+) bioavailability. Results indicate that aqueous nC60 can sorb Hg(2+), transport Hg(2+) to substrate surface, and increase concentrations of bioavailable Hg(2+) in organisms located where settled nC60 aggregates accumulate.

Ingestion of metal-nanoparticle contaminated food disrupts endogenous microbiota in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Nanoparticles (NPs) can be ingested by organisms, and NPs with antimicrobial properties may disrupt beneficial endogenous microbial communities and affect organism health. Zebrafish were fed diets containing Cu-NPs or Ag-NPs (500 mg kg(-1) food), or an appropriate control for 14 d. Intestinal epithelium integrity was examined by transmission electron microscopy, and microbial community structure within the intestine was assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of partial 16S rRNA. No lesions were observed in intestinal epithelia; however, presence of NPs in diets changed intestinal microbial community structure. In particular, some beneficial bacterial strains (e.g., Cetobacterium somerae) were suppressed to non-detectable levels by Cu-NP exposure, and two unidentified bacterial clones from the Firmicutes phylum were sensitive (not detected) to Cu, but were present in Ag and control fish. Unique changes in zebrafish microbiome caused by exposure to Ag-NP and Cu-NP indicate that NP ingestion could affect digestive system function and organism health.

Histopathological effects of waterborne copper nanoparticles and copper sulphate on the organs of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

It is unclear whether copper nanoparticles are more toxic than traditional forms of dissolved copper. This study aimed to describe the pathologies in gill, gut, liver, kidney, brain and muscle of juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, exposed in triplicate to either a control (no added Cu), 20 or 100 μg l(-1) of either dissolved Cu (as CuSO(4)) or Cu-NPs (mean primary particle size of 87 ± 27 nm) in a semi-static waterborne exposure regime. Fish were sampled at days 0, 4, and 10 for histology. All treatments caused organ injuries, and the kinds of pathologies observed with Cu-NPs were broadly of the same type as CuSO(4) including: hyperplasia, aneurisms, and necrosis in the secondary lamellae of the gills; swelling of goblet cells, necrosis in the mucosa layer and vacuole formation in the gut; hepatitis-like injury and cells with pyknotic nuclei in the liver; damage to the epithelium of some renal tubules and increased Bowman's space in the kidney. In the brain, some mild changes were observed in the nerve cell bodies in the telencephalon, alteration in the thickness of the mesencephalon layers, and enlargement of blood vessel on the ventral surface of the cerebellum. Changes in the proportional area of muscle fibres were observed in skeletal muscle. Overall the data showed that pathology from CuSO(4) and Cu-NPs were of similar types, but there were some material-type effects in the severity or incidence of injuries with Cu-NPs causing more injury in the intestine, liver and brain than the equivalent concentration of CuSO(4) by the end of the experiment, but in the gill and muscle CuSO(4) caused more pathology.

Sub-lethal effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the physiology and reproduction of zebrafish

There are limited data on the sub-lethal physiological effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2) NPs) in adult fishes, and the consequences of TiO(2) NP exposure on reproductive success are also unclear. This study aimed to examine the sub-lethal effects of a 14-d aqueous TiO(2) (TiO(2) NP, 0.1 or 1.0 mg l(-1); TiO(2) bulk, 1.0 mg l(-1)) exposure on the physiology and reproductive health of zebrafish. After the 14-d exposure, fish were examined for haematology, whole body electrolyte and trace metal profiles, biochemistry, and histopathology. Then, during a 21-d post exposure recovery period, effects of the TiO(2) exposure on reproductive success were evaluated. Whole body Ti concentrations increased significantly in fish exposed to both the 1.0 mg l(-1) TiO(2) NP and bulk TiO(2) compared to controls, but concentrations returned to control levels by the end of the recovery period. No change in erythrocyte counts were observed, but there was a two-fold decline in leukocyte counts in all TiO(2) treatment groups relative to time-matched controls. Whole body electrolyte and trace metal profiles were not affected by exposure to TiO(2), and there were no changes in Na(+)K(+)-ATPase activity in brain, gill or liver tissues. Total glutathione (GSH) levels in brain, gill and liver tissues were higher in fish exposed to TiO(2) NP (both 0.1 and 1.0 mg l(-1)) compared to bulk TiO(2) and control fish. Histological examination of gill, liver, brain and gonad tissues showed little evidence of treatment-related morphological change. At the end of the 14-d exposure adult zebrafish were able to reproduce; however, the cumulative number of viable embryos produced was lower in fish exposed to 1.0 mg l(-1) TiO(2) (both NP and bulk) by the end of the 21-d recovery period. Overall, this study showed limited toxicity of bulk or nano scale TiO(2) during the exposure; however reproduction was affected in both bulk and NP 1.0 mg l(-1) groups.

Subtle alterations in swimming speed distributions of rainbow trout exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles are associated with gill rather than brain injury

The effects of engineered nanomaterials on fish behaviours are poorly understood. The present study aimed to determine the locomotor behaviours of trout during waterborne exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2) NPs) as well as inform on the underlying physiological mechanisms involved. Trout were exposed to either control (without TiO(2)), 1 mg l(-1) TiO(2) NPs or 1 mg l(-1) bulk TiO(2) for 14 days. Titanium dioxide exposure resulted in 31 (bulk) and 22 fold (nano) increases in the Ti concentrations of gill tissue compared to controls, but there were no measurable increases of Ti in the internal organs including the brain. Gill pathologies were observed in both TiO(2) treatments. Locomotor behaviours were quantified using video tracking software and the proportion of time spent swimming at high speed (>20 cms(-1)) was significantly decreased in fish exposed to TiO(2) NPs, compared to controls, but not fish exposed to bulk TiO(2). The shift in swimming speed distribution in the TiO(2) NP-exposed fish was associated with decreased area of red pulp in the spleen, increases in haematocrit and whole blood haemoglobin, all consistent with a compensation for respiratory hypoxia without the accumulation of plasma lactate. Fish exposed to TiO(2) NPs also retained competitive abilities when paired with controls in aggressive social encounters. The duration of competitive contests, the level of aggression and contest outcome were not affected by NP exposure. Neurological injury did not explain the changes in locomotor behaviour, although there was some apparent enlargement of the blood vessels on the brain. Whole brain homogenates showed a statistically significant increase in oxidative stress defences such as the total glutathione pool, but without loss of Na(+)K(+)-ATPase or acetylcholinesterase activities.

Biological accumulation of engineered nanomaterials: a review of current knowledge

Due to the widespread use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in consumer and industrial products, concerns have been raised over their impacts once released into the ecosystems. While there has been a wealth of studies on the short-term acute toxic effects of ENMs over the past decade, work on the chronic endpoints, such as biological accumulation, has just begun to increase in last 2–3 years. Here, we comprehensively review over 65 papers on the biological accumulation of ENMs under a range of ecologically relevant exposure conditions in water, soil or sediment with the focus on quantitative comparison among these existing studies. We found that daphnid, fish, and earthworm are the most commonly studied ecological receptors. Current evidence suggests that ENM accumulation level is generally low in fish and earthworms with logarithmic bioconcentration concentration factor and biota-sediment accumulation factor ranging from 0.85–3.43 (L kg−1) and −2.21–0.4 (kg kg−1), respectively. ENMs accumulated in organisms at the lower trophic level can transfer to higher trophic level animals with the occurrence of biomagnification varying depending on the specific food chain studied. We conclude the review by identifying the challenges and knowledge gaps and propose paths forward.

Effects of waterborne copper nanoparticles and copper sulphate on rainbow trout, (Oncorhynchus mykiss): physiology and accumulation

Emerging data suggests that some types of nanoparticles (NPs) are toxic to fish, and given the well-known toxicity of dissolved metals, there are also concerns about whether metal-containing NPs present a similar or different hazard to metal salts. In this study, juvenile rainbow trout were exposed in triplicate to either a control, 20 or 100 μg l⁻¹ of either Cu as CuSO₄ or Cu-NPs (mean primary particle size, 87±27 nm) in a semi-static aqueous exposure regime. Fish were sampled at days 0, 4, and 10 for tissue trace elements, haematology, and biochemistry. By day 4, fish from the 100 μg l⁻¹ Cu as CuSO₄ treatment showed 85% mortality (treatment subsequently terminated) compared to 14% in the 100 μg l⁻¹ Cu-NP exposed fish. Mortality at day 10 was 4, 17, 10, and 19% in the control, 20 μg l⁻¹ Cu as CuSO₄, 20 and 100 μg l⁻¹ Cu-NP treatments, respectively. Copper accumulation was seen in the gills of fish from all Cu treatments, and was statistically significant in both CuSO₄ treatments at day 4 and all Cu treatments at day 10 compared to controls. No statistically significant Cu accumulation was seen in the spleen, brain or muscle of fish from any treatment, although an elevation in intestinal Cu was seen in the high Cu-NP treatment throughout. There were some transient changes in haematology and depletion of plasma Na⁺ that was treatment-related, with some differences between the nano form and metal salt, but Cu-NPs were not overtly haemolytic. A 6-fold decrease in branchial Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity in all Cu treatments (compared to controls), depletion of plasma and carcass ion concentrations suggest that Cu-NPs are an ionoregulatory toxicant to rainbow trout. Statistically significant decreases in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity were also seen in the brains and intestine, and whilst there was no material-type effect in the former, this was only observed in the gut of fish exposed to 100 μg l⁻¹ Cu-NPs. There were material-dependent changes in tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and in the gill the Cu-NPs caused a larger (though non-significant compared to control) increase in TBARS than the equivalent metal salt treatment (the latter actually being significantly reduced compared to all other treatments). Overall, these data show that Cu-NPs have similar types of toxic effects to CuSO₄, which can occur at lower tissue Cu concentrations than expected for the dissolved metal.

Surface defects on plate-shaped silver nanoparticles contribute to its hazard potential in a fish gill cell line and zebrafish embryos

We investigated and compared nanosize Ag spheres, plates, and wires in a fish gill epithelial cell line (RT-W1) and in zebrafish embryos to understand the mechanism of toxicity of an engineered nanomaterial raising considerable environmental concern. While most of the Ag nanoparticles induced N-acetyl cysteine sensitive oxidative stress effects in RT-W1, Ag nanoplates were considerably more toxic than other particle shapes. Interestingly, while Ag ion shedding and bioavailability failed to comprehensively explain the high toxicity of the nanoplates, cellular injury required direct particle contact, resulting in cell membrane lysis in RT-W1 as well as red blood cells (RBC). Ag nanoplates were also considerably more toxic in zebrafish embryos in spite of their lesser ability to shed Ag into the exposure medium. To elucidate the "surface reactivity" of Ag nanoplates, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy was performed and demonstrated a high level of crystal defects (stacking faults and point defects) on the nanoplate surfaces. Surface coating with cysteine was used to passivate the surface defects and demonstrated a reduction of toxicity in RT-W1 cells, RBC, and zebrafish embryos. This study demonstrates the important role of crystal defects in contributing to Ag nanoparticle toxicity in addition to the established roles of Ag ion shedding by Ag nanoparticles. The excellent correlation between the in vitro and in vivo toxicological assessment illustrates the utility of using a fish cell line in parallel with zebrafish embryos to perform a predictive environmental toxicological paradigm.

Practical considerations for conducting ecotoxicity test methods with manufactured nanomaterials: what have we learnt so far?

This review paper reports the consensus of a technical workshop hosted by the European network, NanoImpactNet (NIN). The workshop aimed to review the collective experience of working at the bench with manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs), and to recommend modifications to existing experimental methods and OECD protocols. Current procedures for cleaning glassware are appropriate for most MNMs, although interference with electrodes may occur. Maintaining exposure is more difficult with MNMs compared to conventional chemicals. A metal salt control is recommended for experiments with metallic MNMs that may release free metal ions. Dispersing agents should be avoided, but if they must be used, then natural or synthetic dispersing agents are possible, and dispersion controls essential. Time constraints and technology gaps indicate that full characterisation of test media during ecotoxicity tests is currently not practical. Details of electron microscopy, dark-field microscopy, a range of spectroscopic methods (EDX, XRD, XANES, EXAFS), light scattering techniques (DLS, SLS) and chromatography are discussed. The development of user-friendly software to predict particle behaviour in test media according to DLVO theory is in progress, and simple optical methods are available to estimate the settling behaviour of suspensions during experiments. However, for soil matrices such simple approaches may not be applicable. Alternatively, a Critical Body Residue approach may be taken in which body concentrations in organisms are related to effects, and toxicity thresholds derived. For microbial assays, the cell wall is a formidable barrier to MNMs and end points that rely on the test substance penetrating the cell may be insensitive. Instead assays based on the cell envelope should be developed for MNMs. In algal growth tests, the abiotic factors that promote particle aggregation in the media (e.g. ionic strength) are also important in providing nutrients, and manipulation of the media to control the dispersion may also inhibit growth. Controls to quantify shading effects, and precise details of lighting regimes, shaking or mixing should be reported in algal tests. Photosynthesis may be more sensitive than traditional growth end points for algae and plants. Tests with invertebrates should consider non-chemical toxicity from particle adherence to the organisms. The use of semi-static exposure methods with fish can reduce the logistical issues of waste water disposal and facilitate aspects of animal husbandry relevant to MMNs. There are concerns that the existing bioaccumulation tests are conceptually flawed for MNMs and that new test(s) are required. In vitro testing strategies, as exemplified by genotoxicity assays, can be modified for MNMs, but the risk of false negatives in some assays is highlighted. In conclusion, most protocols will require some modifications and recommendations are made to aid the researcher at the bench.