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Kalčíková G, Roy R, Klun B, Rozman U, Marolt G, Skalar T, Feckler A, Bundschuh M. Interactions between titanium dioxide nanoparticles and polyethylene microplastics: Adsorption kinetics, photocatalytic properties, and ecotoxicity. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138628. [PMID: 37030341 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the adsorption mechanism of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) on polyethylene microplastics (MPs) and the resulting photocatalytic properties. This effort was supported by ecotoxicological assessments of MPs with adsorbed nTiO2 on the immobility and behaviour of Daphnia magna in presence and absence of UV irradiation. The results showed that nTiO2 were rapidly adsorbed on the surface of MPs (72% of nTiO2 in 9 h). The experimental data fit well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Both suspended nTiO2 and nTiO2 immobilized on MPs exhibited comparable photocatalytic properties, with the latter showing a lower effect on Daphnia mobility. A likely explanation is that the suspended nTiO2 acted as a homogeneous catalyst under UV irradiation and generated hydroxyl radicals throughout the test vessel, whereas the nTiO2 adsorbed on MPs acted as a heterogeneous catalyst and generated hydroxyl radicals only locally and thus near the air-water interface. Consequently, Daphnia, which were hiding at the bottom of the test vessel, actively avoided exposure to hydroxyl radicals. These results suggest that the presence of MPs can modulate the phototoxicity of nTiO2 - at least the location at which it is active - under the studied conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kalčíková
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Rajdeep Roy
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Barbara Klun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ula Rozman
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Marolt
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Skalar
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexander Feckler
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany; Eußerthal Ecosystem Research Station, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Eußerthal, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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2
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Alklaf SA, Zhang S, Zhu J, Manirakiza B, Addo FG, Guo S, Alnadari F. Impacts of nano-titanium dioxide toward Vallisneria natans and epiphytic microbes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129066. [PMID: 35739691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Vallisneria natans plants were exposed to 5 and 20 nm of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) anatase and 600-1000 nm of bulk at 5 and 20 mg/L for 30 days. SEM images and EDX spectra revealed that epiphytic biofilms were more prone to TiO₂ NPs adhesion than bare plant leaves. TiO₂ NPs injured plant leaf cells, ruptured epiphytic diatoms membranes and increased the ratio of free-living microbes. The TN, NH4⁺-N and NO3--N concentrations significantly decreased, respectively, by 44.9%, 33.6%, and 23.6% compared to bulk treatments after 30 days due to macrophyte damage and a decline in diversity of epiphytic bacterial community and abundance of nitrogen cycle bacteria. TiO₂ NPs size-dependent decrease in bacterial relative abundance was detected, including phylum Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Verrucomicrobia. Although TiO₂ NPs increased eukaryotic diversity and abundance, abundances of Bacillariophyceae and Vampyrellidae classes and Gastrotricha and Phragmoplastophyta phylum decreased significantly under TiO₂ NPs exposure compared to bulk and control. TiO₂ NPs reduced intensities of interaction relationships among epiphytic microbial genera. This study shed new light on the potential effects of TiO₂ NPs toxicity toward aquatic plants and epiphytic microbial communities and its impacts on nitrogen species removal in wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Alden Alklaf
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Songhe Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Jianzhong Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Benjamin Manirakiza
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Felix Gyawu Addo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Shaozhuang Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Fawze Alnadari
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China
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Batista D, Giling DP, Pradhan A, Pascoal C, Cássio F, Gessner MO. Importance of exposure route in determining nanosilver impacts on a stream detrital processing chain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118088. [PMID: 34523514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The commercial use and spread of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in freshwaters have greatly increased over the last decade. Both AgNPs and ionic silver (Ag+) released from nanoparticles are toxic to organisms and compromise ecosystem processes such as leaf litter decomposition. Yet little is known about how AgNPs affect multitrophic systems of interacting species. Furthermore, past work has focused on waterborne exposure with scarce attention given to effects mediated by the consumption of contaminated food. We assessed the importance of direct (via water) and indirect (via diet) AgNP exposure to a processing chain comprising leaf litter, fungi, a shredder (Gammarus pulex) and a collector (Habroleptoides confusa) in microcosms. Direct exposure to contaminated water for 15 days impaired microbial leaf decomposition by ∼50% and leaf-associated fungal biomass by ∼10%. Leaf consumption was reduced by ∼20% but only when G. pulex was exposed to silver via contaminated leaves. There was no effect on FPOM production. Ag + could impose oxidative stress on the shredders and collectors independent of exposure route, as indicated by increased catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities and decreased superoxide dismutase activity. The activity of a neuronal enzyme (cholinesterase) in collectors, but not shredders, also decreased by almost 50% when the animals were indirectly exposed to AgNP. Our results show that AgNPs and Ag+ may disrupt detrital processing chains through direct and indirect exposure routes, even at low concentrations. This highlights the importance of AgNP exposure pathways to interconnected stream biota and ecosystem processes for realistic assessments of risks to freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Batista
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Darren P Giling
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Zur alten Fischerhütte 2, 16775, Stechlin, Germany; Centre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, ACT, Australia; CSIRO Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Arunava Pradhan
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Pascoal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Cássio
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mark O Gessner
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Zur alten Fischerhütte 2, 16775, Stechlin, Germany; Department of Ecology, Berlin Institute of Ecology (TU Berlin), Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1, 10587, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Bundschuh M, Zubrod JP, Konschak M, Baudy P, Frombold B, Schulz R. Photoactive titanium dioxide nanoparticles modify heterotrophic microbial functioning. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:49550-49558. [PMID: 33934305 PMCID: PMC8445855 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nTiO2) is frequently applied, raising concerns about potential side effects on the environment. While various studies have assessed structural effects in aquatic model ecosystems, its impact on ecosystem functions provided by microbial communities (biofilms) is not well understood. This is all the more the case when considering additional stressors, such as UV irradiation - a factor known to amplify nTiO2-induced toxicity. Using pairwise comparisons, we assessed the impact of UV (UV-A = 1.6 W/m2; UV-B = 0.7 W/m2) at 0, 20 or 2000 μg nTiO2/L on two ecosystem functions provided by leaf-associated biofilms: while leaf litter conditioning, important for detritivorous invertebrate nutrition, seems unaffected, microbial leaf decomposition was stimulated (up to 25%) by UV, with effect sizes being higher in the presence of nTiO2. Although stoichiometric and microbial analyses did not allow for uncovering the underlying mechanism, it seems plausible that the combination of a shift in biofilm community composition and activity together with photodegradation as well as the formation of reactive oxygen species triggered changes in leaf litter decomposition. The present study implies that the multiple functions a microbial community performs are not equally sensitive. Consequently, relying on one of the many functions realized by the same microbial community may be misleading for environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Bundschuh
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany.
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, SWE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jochen P Zubrod
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
- Eußerthal Ecosystem Research Station, University of Koblenz-Landau, Birkenthalstraße 13, D-76857, Eußerthal, Germany
| | - Marco Konschak
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Patrick Baudy
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Bianca Frombold
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany
- Eußerthal Ecosystem Research Station, University of Koblenz-Landau, Birkenthalstraße 13, D-76857, Eußerthal, Germany
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5
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Anthropogenic Modifications to Estuaries Facilitate the Invasion of Non-Native Species. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9050740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
New observations of non-indigenous species (NIS) in coastal waters, such as the Gulf of Cadiz (Spain) have increased since 1980 and more or less exponentially in the last five years. Ballast water has become the most significant pathway for unintentional introductions of NIS into marine ecosystems. For example, the marine larvae of crustacean decapods that inhabit the water column could be transported in ballast water. Although elevated concentrations of metals are toxic to many marine organisms, some of them have evolved effective detoxification, or avoidance mechanisms making it possible to consider they have a superior ability to withstand exposures to these toxicants. In this text, we try to reinforce the hypothesis that anthropogenic modifications (such as chemical alterations and modified environments) benefit NIS with broad environmental tolerances. Taking these risks into account, a reinforcement of efficient Ballast Water Management Systems to respond to today’s challenging environmental conditions is discussed.
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6
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Nanoparticles transported from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems via emerging aquatic insects compromise subsidy quality. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15676. [PMID: 31666603 PMCID: PMC6821837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticle contaminants enter aquatic ecosystems and are transported along the stream network. Here, we demonstrate a novel pathway for the return of nanoparticles from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems via cross-boundary subsidies. During their emergence, trichopteran caddisflies carried titanium dioxide and gold nanoparticles into their terrestrial life stages. Moreover, their emergence was delayed by ≤30 days, and their energy reserves were depleted by ≤25%. Based on worst case estimates, it is suggested that terrestrial predators, such as bats feeding on aquatic prey, may ingest up to three orders of magnitude higher gold levels than anticipated for humans. Additionally, terrestrial predator species may suffer from alterations in the temporal availability and nutritional quality of their prey. Considering the substantial transfer of insect biomass to terrestrial ecosystems, nanoparticles may decouple aquatic and terrestrial food webs with important (meta-)ecosystem level consequences.
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Lüderwald S, Schell T, Newton K, Salau R, Seitz F, Rosenfeldt RR, Dackermann V, Metreveli G, Schulz R, Bundschuh M. Exposure pathway dependent effects of titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles on the benthic amphipod Gammarus fossarum. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 212:47-53. [PMID: 31071656 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The increasing production of engineered inorganic nanoparticles (EINPs) elevates their release into aquatic ecosystems raising concerns about associated environmental risks. Numerous investigations indicate sediments as the final sink, facilitating the exposure of benthic species to EINPs. Although reports of sub-lethal EINP effects on benthic species are increasing, the importance of exposure pathways (either waterborne or dietary) is poorly understood. This study investigates the influence of two EINPs, namely titanium dioxide (nTiO2) and silver (nAg), on the benthic model organism Gammarus fossarum specifically addressing the relative relevance of these pathways. For each type of EINP an individual 30-day long bioassay was conducted, applying a two-factorial test design. The factors include the presence or absence of the EINPs (nTiO2: ∼80 nm, 4 mg/L or nAg: ∼30 nm, 0.125 mg/L; n = 30) in the water phase (waterborne), combined with a preceding 6-day long aging of their diet (black alder leaves) also in presence or absence of the EINPs (dietary). Response variables were mortality, food consumption, feces production and energy assimilation. Additionally, the physiological fitness was examined using lipid content and dry weight of the organisms as measures. Results revealed a significantly reduced energy assimilation (up to ∼30%) in G. fossarum induced by waterborne exposure towards nTiO2. In contrast, the dietary exposure towards nAg significantly increased the organisms' energy assimilation (up to ∼50%). Hence, exposure pathway dependent effects of EINPs cannot be generalized and remain particle specific resting upon their intrinsic properties affecting their potential to interact with the surrounding environment. As a result of the different properties of the EINPs used in this study, we clearly demonstrated variations in type and direction of observed effects in G. fossarum. The results of the present study are thus supporting current approaches for nano-specific grouping that might enable an enhanced accuracy in predicting EINP effects facilitating their environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lüderwald
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany.
| | - Theresa Schell
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Kymberly Newton
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Rashidat Salau
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Frank Seitz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany; nEcoTox, An der Neumühle 2, 76855 Anweiler am Trifels, Germany
| | - Ricki R Rosenfeldt
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany; nEcoTox, An der Neumühle 2, 76855 Anweiler am Trifels, Germany
| | - Vera Dackermann
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - George Metreveli
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany; Eusserthal Ecosystem Research Station, University of Koblenz-Landau, Birkenthalstraße 13, 76857 Eusserthal, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Lüderwald S, Dackermann V, Seitz F, Adams E, Feckler A, Schilde C, Schulz R, Bundschuh M. A blessing in disguise? Natural organic matter reduces the UV light-induced toxicity of nanoparticulate titanium dioxide. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 663:518-526. [PMID: 30716643 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Besides their economic value, engineered inorganic nanoparticles (EINPs) may pose a risk for the integrity of ecosystems. Among EINPs, titanium dioxide (nTiO2) is frequently used and released into surface waters in the μg range. There, nTiO2 interacts with environmental factors, influencing its potential to cause adverse effects on aquatic life. Although factors like ultra violet (UV) light and natural organic matter (NOM) are considered as ubiquitous, their joint impact on nTiO2-induced toxicity is poorly understood. This study addressed the acute toxicity of nTiO2 (P25; 0.00-64.00 mg/L; ~60 nm) at ambient UV light (0.00-5.20 W UVA/m2) and NOM levels (seaweed extract; 0.00-4.00 mg TOC/L), using the immobility of Daphnia magna as response variable. Confirming previous studies, effects caused by nTiO2 were elevated with increasing UV radiation (up to ~280 fold) and mitigated by higher NOM levels (up to ~12 fold), possibly due to reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS; measured as •OH radicals) formation at lower UV intensities. However, contradicting to former studies, nTiO2-mediated ROS formation was not proportional to increasing NOM levels: lower concentrations (0.04-0.40 mg TOC/L) slightly diminished, whereas a higher concentration (4.00 mg TOC/L) promoted the ROS quantity, irrespective of UV intensity. Measured ROS levels do not fully explain the observed nTiO2-induced toxicity, whereas increasing acetylcholinesterase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in daphnids (in presence of 8.00 mg/L nTiO2 and elevated UV intensity) point towards neurotoxic and oxidative stress as a driver for the observed effects. Hence, despite higher •OH levels in the treatments where 4.00 mg TOC/L were present, NOM was still capable of reducing nTiO2-induced stress and ultimately adverse effects in aquatic life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lüderwald
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany.
| | - Vera Dackermann
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Frank Seitz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; nEcoTox, Annweiler am Trifels, Germany
| | - Elena Adams
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Alexander Feckler
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carsten Schilde
- Institute for Particle Technology, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; Eusserthal Ecosystem Research Station, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Bundschuh M, Filser J, Lüderwald S, McKee MS, Metreveli G, Schaumann GE, Schulz R, Wagner S. Nanoparticles in the environment: where do we come from, where do we go to? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2018; 30:6. [PMID: 29456907 PMCID: PMC5803285 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-018-0132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles serve various industrial and domestic purposes which is reflected in their steadily increasing production volume. This economic success comes along with their presence in the environment and the risk of potentially adverse effects in natural systems. Over the last decade, substantial progress regarding the understanding of sources, fate, and effects of nanoparticles has been made. Predictions of environmental concentrations based on modelling approaches could recently be confirmed by measured concentrations in the field. Nonetheless, analytical techniques are, as covered elsewhere, still under development to more efficiently and reliably characterize and quantify nanoparticles, as well as to detect them in complex environmental matrixes. Simultaneously, the effects of nanoparticles on aquatic and terrestrial systems have received increasing attention. While the debate on the relevance of nanoparticle-released metal ions for their toxicity is still ongoing, it is a re-occurring phenomenon that inert nanoparticles are able to interact with biota through physical pathways such as biological surface coating. This among others interferes with the growth and behaviour of exposed organisms. Moreover, co-occurring contaminants interact with nanoparticles. There is multiple evidence suggesting nanoparticles as a sink for organic and inorganic co-contaminants. On the other hand, in the presence of nanoparticles, repeatedly an elevated effect on the test species induced by the co-contaminants has been reported. In this paper, we highlight recent achievements in the field of nano-ecotoxicology in both aquatic and terrestrial systems but also refer to substantial gaps that require further attention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Bundschuh
- Functional Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Juliane Filser
- FB 02, UFT Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Simon Lüderwald
- Ecotoxicology and Environment, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Moira S. McKee
- FB 02, UFT Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - George Metreveli
- Environmental and Soil Chemistry, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Gabriele E. Schaumann
- Environmental and Soil Chemistry, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- Ecotoxicology and Environment, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Stephan Wagner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UfZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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Bundschuh M, Vogt R, Seitz F, Rosenfeldt RR, Schulz R. Do titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce food depletion for filter feeding organisms? A case study with Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 214:840-846. [PMID: 27155102 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Although nanoparticles are increasingly investigated, their impact on the availability of food (i.e., algae) at the bottom of food chains remains unclear. It is, however, assumed that algae, which form heteroagglomerates with nanoparticles, sediment quickly limiting the availability of food for primary consumers such as Daphnia magna. As a consequence, it may be hypothesized that this scenario - in case of fundamental importance for the nanoparticles impact on primary consumers - induces a similar pattern in the life history strategy of daphnids relative to situations of food depletion. To test this hypothesis, the present study compared the life-history strategy of D. magna experiencing different degrees of food limitation as a consequence of variable algal density with daphnids fed with heteroagglomerates composed of algae and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2). In contrast to the hypothesis, daphnids' body length, weight, and reproduction increased when fed with these heteroagglomerates, while the opposite pattern was observed under food limitation scenarios. Moreover, juvenile body mass, and partly length, was affected negatively irrespective of the scenarios. This suggests that daphnids experienced - besides a limitation in the food availability - additional stress when fed with heteroagglomerates composed of algae and nTiO2. Potential explanations include modifications in the nutritious quality of algae but also an early exposure of juveniles to nTiO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Bundschuh
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Roland Vogt
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany; Research Institute for Limnology, University of Innsbruck, Mondsee, Austria
| | - Frank Seitz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany; nEcoTox Consult, Schifferstadt, Germany
| | - Ricki R Rosenfeldt
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany; nEcoTox Consult, Schifferstadt, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany
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11
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Wyrwoll AJ, Lautenschläger P, Bach A, Hellack B, Dybowska A, Kuhlbusch TAJ, Hollert H, Schäffer A, Maes HM. Size matters--The phototoxicity of TiO2 nanomaterials. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 208:859-867. [PMID: 26613672 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Under solar radiation several titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) are known to be phototoxic for daphnids. We investigated the influence of primary particle size (10, 25, and 220 nm) and ionic strength (IS) of the test medium on the acute phototoxicity of anatase TiO2 particles to Daphnia magna. The intermediate sized particles (25 nm) showed the highest phototoxicity followed by the 10 nm and 220 nm sized particles (median effective concentrations (EC50): 0.53, 1.28, 3.88 mg/L). Photoactivity was specified by differentiating free OH radicals (therephthalic acid method) and on the other hand surface adsorbed, as well as free OH, electron holes, and O2(-) (electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, EPR). We show that the formation of free OH radicals increased with a decrease in primary particle size (terephthalic acid method), whereas the total measured ROS content was highest at an intermediate particle size of 25 nm, which consequently revealed the highest photoxicity. The photoactivities of the 10 and 220 nm particles as measured by EPR were comparable. We suggest that phototoxicity depends additionally on the particle-daphnia interaction area, which explains the higher photoxicity of the 10 nm particles compared to the 220 nm particles. Thus, phototoxicity is a function of the generation of different ROS and the particle-daphnia interaction area, both depending on particle size. Phototoxicity of the 10 nm and 25 nm sized nanoparticles decreased as IS of the test medium increased (EC50: 2.9 and 1.1 mg/L). In conformity with the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory we suggest that the precipitation of nano-TiO2 was more pronounced in high than in low IS medium, causing a lower phototoxicity. In summary, primary particle size and IS of the medium were identified as factors influencing phototoxicity of anatase nano-TiO2 to D. magna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne J Wyrwoll
- Department of Environmental Biology and Chemodynamics, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH-Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Petra Lautenschläger
- Department of Environmental Biology and Chemodynamics, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH-Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Bach
- Department of Environmental Biology and Chemodynamics, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH-Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Bryan Hellack
- Institute for Energy and Environmental Technology e.V., Bliersheimer Str. 58-60, 47229 Duisburg, Germany.
| | | | - Thomas A J Kuhlbusch
- Institute for Energy and Environmental Technology e.V., Bliersheimer Str. 58-60, 47229 Duisburg, Germany.
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH-Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany; College of Resources and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, 1 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, China.
| | - Andreas Schäffer
- Department of Environmental Biology and Chemodynamics, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH-Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany; College of Resources and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, 1 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, China.
| | - Hanna M Maes
- Department of Environmental Biology and Chemodynamics, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH-Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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12
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González-Ortegón E, Blasco J, Nieto E, Hampel M, Le Vay L, Giménez L. Individual and mixture effects of selected pharmaceuticals on larval development of the estuarine shrimp Palaemon longirostris. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 540:260-266. [PMID: 26163379 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Few ecotoxicological studies incorporate within the experimental design environmental variability and mixture effects when assessing the impact of pollutants on organisms. We have studied the combined effects of selected pharmaceutical compounds and environmental variability in terms of salinity and temperature on survival, development and body mass of larvae of the estuarine shrimp Palaemon longirostris. Drug residues found in coastal waters occur as mixture, and the evaluation of combined effects of simultaneously occurring compounds is indispensable for their environmental risk assessment. All larval stages of P. longirostris were exposed to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac sodium (DS: 40 and 750 μg L(-1)), the lipid regulator clofibric acid (CA: 17 and 361 μg L(-1)) and the fungicide clotrimazole (CLZ: 0.14 and 4 μg L(-1)). We observed no effect on larval survival of P. longirostris with the tested pharmaceuticals. However, and in contrast to previous studies on larvae of the related marine species Palaemon serratus, CA affected development through an increase in intermoult duration and reduced growth without affecting larval body mass. These developmental effects in P. longirostris larvae were similar to those observed in the mixture of DS and CA confirming the toxic effects of CA. In the case of CLZ, its effects were similar to those observed previously in P. serratus: high doses affected development altering intermoult duration, tended to reduce the number of larval instars and decreased significantly the growth rate. This study suggests that an inter-specific life histories approach should be taken into account to assess the effect of emergent compounds in coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique González-Ortegón
- School of Ocean Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, UK; Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Julian Blasco
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, CSIC, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Elena Nieto
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, CSIC, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Miriam Hampel
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Andalusian Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CACYTMAR), University of Cadiz, Spain
| | - Lewis Le Vay
- Centre for Applied Marine Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge UK
| | - Luis Giménez
- School of Ocean Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, UK
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13
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Adam V, Loyaux-Lawniczak S, Quaranta G. Characterization of engineered TiO₂ nanomaterials in a life cycle and risk assessments perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:11175-92. [PMID: 25994264 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4661-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
For the last 10 years, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have raised interest to industrials due to their properties. They are present in a large variety of products from cosmetics to building materials through food additives, and their value on the market was estimated to reach $3 trillion in 2014 (Technology Strategy Board 2009). TiO2 NMs represent the second most important part of ENMs production worldwide (550-5500 t/year). However, a gap of knowledge remains regarding the fate and the effects of these, and consequently, impact and risk assessments are challenging. This is due to difficulties in not only characterizing NMs but also in selecting the NM properties which could contribute most to ecotoxicity and human toxicity. Characterizing NMs should thus rely on various analytical techniques in order to evaluate several properties and to crosscheck the results. The aims of this review are to understand the fate and effects of TiO2 NMs in water, sediment, and soil and to determine which of their properties need to be characterized, to assess the analytical techniques available for their characterization, and to discuss the integration of specific properties in the Life Cycle Assessment and Risk Assessment calculations. This study underlines the need to take into account nano-specific properties in the modeling of their fate and effects. Among them, crystallinity, size, aggregation state, surface area, and particle number are most significant. This highlights the need for adapting ecotoxicological studies to NP-specific properties via new methods of measurement and new metrics for ecotoxicity thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Adam
- Laboratoire d'Hydrologie et de Géochimie de Strasbourg/EOST/UDS, 1, rue Blessig, 67084, Strasbourg Cedex, France,
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14
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González-Ortegón E, Giménez L, Blasco J, Le Vay L. Effects of food limitation and pharmaceutical compounds on the larval development and morphology of Palaemon serratus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 503-504:171-178. [PMID: 25240506 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Few ecotoxicological studies consider the roles of maternal influences and suboptimal environmental conditions when assessing the impact of pollutants on organisms. We studied the combined effects of pharmaceutical compounds, food condition and maternal body size on growth, development, body mass and morphology of larvae of the marine shrimp Palaemon serratus. Limited food availability is considered a factor leading to reduced survival and growth in marine crustacean larvae. It is known that P. serratus responses to food limitation vary among larvae hatched from females of different body length. The pharmaceuticals tested were the anti-inflammatory and analgesic diclofenac sodium (DS: at 77 μg L-1 and 720 μg L-1) the lipid regulator clofibric acid (CA: at 42 μg L-1 and 394 μg L-1) and the fungicide clotrimazole (CLZ: at 0.07 μg L-1 and 3.16 μg L-1). We observed morphological abnormalities in larvae exposed to CLZ. In addition, effects of this compound were stronger under food limitation leading to (1) reduced survival by 30%, (2) reduced juvenile body mass (22%) and (3) reduction in the number of molt stages (from 13 to 9) during larval development. This latter effect may indicate that CLZ reduced the larval capacity to respond to food limitation because development through a longer route, with additional stages, is considered an adaptive response to prioritize maintenance over morphogenesis. CA and DS affected developmental rate under food limitation but not growth or body mass. The toxic effects of CLZ, at lower concentrations than CA and DS, were stronger in larvae with higher body mass, hatched from the largest females. This suggests that maternal influences and suboptimal environmental conditions should be further studied to inform modeling of the effects of emergent compounds on larvae of marine coastal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique González-Ortegón
- School of Ocean Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB, UK; IFAPA Centro El Toruño, Camino Tiro de Pichón s/n, 11500 El Puerto de Santa María, Spain.
| | - Luis Giménez
- School of Ocean Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Julian Blasco
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, CSIC, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Lewis Le Vay
- Centre for Applied Marine Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB, UK
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15
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Feckler A, Rosenfeldt RR, Seitz F, Schulz R, Bundschuh M. Photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles affect habitat selection of and food quality for a key species in the leaf litter decomposition process. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 196:276-283. [PMID: 25463723 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Interactions with environmental parameters may alter the ecotoxicity of nanoparticles. The present study therefore assessed the (in)direct effects of nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nano-TiO(2)) towards Gammarus fossarum, considering nano-TiO(2)'s photocatalytic properties at ambient UV-intensities. Gammarids' habitat selection was investigated using its feeding preference on leaf discs either exposed to or protected from UV-irradiation in presence of nano-TiO(2) as proxy (n = 49). UV-irradiational one induced a significant preference for UV-protected habitats, which was more pronounced in simultaneous presence of nano-TiO(2). This behaviour may be mainly explained by the UV-induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by nano-TiO(2). Besides their direct toxicity, ROS may have lowered the leaf-quality in UV-exposed areas contributing (approximately 30%) to the observed behavioural pattern. Since the predicted no effect concentration of nano-TiO(2) in combination with UV irradiation falls below the predicted environmental concentration this study underpins the importance of considering environmental parameters during the risk assessment of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Feckler
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany.
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16
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Wallis LK, Diamond SA, Ma H, Hoff DJ, Al-Abed SR, Li S. Chronic TiO₂ nanoparticle exposure to a benthic organism, Hyalella azteca: impact of solar UV radiation and material surface coatings on toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 499:356-62. [PMID: 25203828 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
There is limited information on the chronic effects of nanomaterials to benthic organisms, as well as environmental mitigating factors that might influence this toxicity. The present study aimed to fill these data gaps by examining various growth endpoints (weight gain, instantaneous growth rate, and total protein content) for up to a 21 d sediment exposure of TiO2 nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) to a representative benthic species, Hyalella azteca. An uncoated standard, P25, and an Al(OH)3 coated nano-TiO2 used in commercial products were added to sediment at 20 mg/L or 100 mg/L Under test conditions, UV exposure alone was shown to be a greater cause of toxicity than even these high levels of nano-TiO2 exposure, indicating that different hazards need to be addressed in toxicity testing scenarios. In addition, this study showed the effectiveness of a surface coating on the decreased photoactivity of the material, as the addition of an Al(OH)3 coating showed a dramatic decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, this reduced photoactivity was found to be partially restored when the coating had been degraded, leading to the need for future toxicity tests which examine the implications of weathering events on particle surface coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay K Wallis
- Office of Research and Development, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, 55804, USA
| | | | - Hongbo Ma
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Zilber School of Public Health, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Dale J Hoff
- Office of Research and Development, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, 55804, USA
| | - Souhail R Al-Abed
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Shibin Li
- Office of Research and Development, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, 55804, USA.
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17
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Seitz F, Rosenfeldt RR, Schneider S, Schulz R, Bundschuh M. Size-, surface- and crystalline structure composition-related effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles during their aquatic life cycle. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 493:891-897. [PMID: 25010941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle toxicity depends amongst others on particle characteristics and nanoparticle behavior during their aquatic life cycle. Aquatic organisms may be exposed to nanoparticle agglomerates of varying size, while lager agglomerates after settling rather affect benthic organisms. In this context, the present study systematically examined the role of particle characteristics, i.e. crystalline structure composition (anatase as well as mixture of anatase-rutile), initial particle size (55-, 100-, and 140-nm) and surface area, in the toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) to the pelagic filter feeder Daphnia magna (n = 4) and the benthic amphipod Gammarus fossarum (n = 30). Smaller initial particle sizes (i.e. 55-nm) and anatase based particles showed an approximately 90% lower Daphnia EC50-value compared to its respective counterpart. Most importantly, particle surface normalized EC50-values significantly differed for nanoparticles equal to or below 100 nm in size from 140-nm sized particles. Hence, these data suggest that the reactive initial surface area may explain the ecotoxicological potential of different particle size classes only if their size is smaller or around 100 nm. In contrast to Daphnia, Gammarus was not affected by nTiO2 concentrations of up to 5.00 mg/L, irrespective of their characteristics. This indicates fundamental differences in the toxicity of nTiO2 during its aquatic life cycle mediated by alterations in their characteristics over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Seitz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany.
| | - Ricki R Rosenfeldt
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Sandra Schneider
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf Schulz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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