ISSN : 0970 - 020X, ONLINE ISSN : 2231-5039
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Abstract

Comparative evaluation of acute toxicity of nanoparticles of zinc, copper and their nanosystems using Stylonychia mytilus

Elena Rusakova1, Dianna Kosyan1-2, Elena Sizova1-2, Sergey Miroshnikov2 and Olga Sipaylova1

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/ojc/31.Special-Issue1.13


Abstract:

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the world by introducing a unique class of materials and consumer goods in many areas. This led to the production of new materials and devices. Nanotechnology has become an important priority in many countries. Despite its unique advantages and applications in everyday life and industry, the use of materials with nanometer dimensions raised a question of their safety for consumers and the environment [1]. The rapid propagation of various nanomaterials is a dilemma for regulatory authorities in relation to their hazard identification [2]. Recently, it has been written a lot about the urgent need to develop rules for nanomaterials. Such rules are needed for legislators to protect people from potentially adverse effects. As for manufacturers these rules are necessary in order to prove that nanoproducts must be produced carefully and with caution to avoid possible negative effects. However, it is turned out to be difficult to develop such rules [3]. At present, many efforts are made to use relatively simple nano-structured materials, such as metal oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes in the content of high-strength materials, self-cleaning surfaces and stain-resistant textiles and for energy storage and conversion. [4] The study of more complex nanomaterials will lead to the use of these data in medical diagnostics and treatment, and modern electronics [5]. Within the past decade nanomaterials are used on a new commercial scale, it increases risks of possible toxic effects of nanoparticles that enter the environment because their potential toxicity for aquatic organisms is high [6]. Toxic effect of nanoparticles for aquatic ecosystems is associated with their physical and chemical properties and their action in aqueous media where dissolution, aggregation and agglomeration may occur [7]. Despite the fact that the production of these particles increased considerably in recent years, there are little data on their toxicity. Results of toxicity differ mainly due to the different methodology [8]. Different biological tests were discussed; they have been successfully used to assess the environmental impact of pollutants on invertebrates, algae and bacteria. Now they are more often used for risk assessment of nanoparticles on different levels of the aquatic food web [9]. Environmental risks and methodological approaches for testing the toxicity of nanomaterials using aquatic organisms were considered in recent publications [10]. For example, the toxicity of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles was assessed using a simplified model of the aquatic food chain in order to determine the bioaccumulation of toxic effects and particle transport through the trophic levels [11]. The experiment of using bacteria, protozoa, yeast, rotifer, algae, nematodes, crustaceans, fish, and amphibians as test objects in wastewater toxicological studies was described[12]. Only individual effects of nanoparticles were studied in most works. Despite the implementation of these data as a tool for assessing risks to the aquatic environment, there are still not enough data to fully understand the toxic effects of nanoparticles on aquatic organisms [13].

Keywords:

Stylonychia; mytilus; nanoparticles; zinc; copper; cell growth inhibition; cytotoxicity

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