The effects of different coatings on zinc oxide nanoparticles and their influence on dissolution and bioaccumulation by the green alga, C. reinhardtii

Interlaboratory comparison of centrifugal ultrafiltration with ICP-MS detection in a first-step towards methods to screen for nanomaterial release during certification of drinking water contact materials

A key requirement for evaluating the safety of nano-enabled water treatment devices is measuring concentrations of insoluble nanomaterials released from devices into water that may be ingested by consumers. Therefore, there is a need for simple technique that uses commonly available commercial laboratory techniques to discriminate between nanoparticles and dissolved by-products of the nanomaterial (e.g., ionic metals). Such capabilities would enable screening for particulate or dissolved metals released into water from nanomaterial-containing drinking water contact materials (e.g., paint coatings) or devices (e.g., filters). This multi-laboratory study sought to investigate the use of relatively inexpensive centrifugal ultrafilters to separate nanoparticulate from ionic metal in combination with inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection. The accuracy, precision, and reproducibility for the proposed method were assessed using mixtures of nanoparticulate and ionic gold (Au) in a standard and widely utilized model water matrix (NSF International Standard 53/61). Concentrations for both ionic and nanoparticulate gold based upon measurements of Au mass in the initial solutions and Au permeating the centrifugal ultrafilters. Results across different solution compositions and different participating labs showed that ionic and nanoparticulate Au could be consistently discriminated with ppb concentrations typically resulting in <10 % error. A mass balance was not achieved because nanoparticles were retained on membranes embedded in plastic holders inside the centrifuge tubes, and the entire apparatus could not be acid and/or microwave digested. This was a minor limitation considering the ultrafiltration method is a screening tool, and gold concentration in the permeate indicates the presence of ionic metal rather than nanoforms. With further development, this approach could prove to be an effective tool in screening for nanomaterial release from water-system or device materials as part of third-party certification processes of drinking water compatible products.

Effect of long-term exposure of mixture of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on Scenedesmus obliquus

The present study investigated the possible toxic effect of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) on freshwater microalgae, Scenedesmus obliquus at environmentally- relevant nanoparticle concentration (1 mg/L) and high concentration (10 mg/L) in BG-11 medium under white light LED-illumination over 35 days. The effect of time on the stability of media, nanoparticles, and their relation to toxicity to algae was also studied. The transmission electron microscopy indicated structural damage to algae due to the presence of a mixture of nanoparticles (at 10 mg/L). FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared) analysis of a sample containing a mixture of nanoparticles showed an addition of bonds and a difference in the peak location and its intensity values. The inhibition time for biomass was observed between 14 days and 21 days at 10 mg/L NPs. At 1 mg/L, the order of toxicity of NPs to algae was found to be: CuO NPs (highest toxicity) > ZnO NPs>ZnO + CuO NPs (least toxicity). During exposure of algae cells to a mixture of NPs at 10 mg/L NP concentration, a smaller value of metal deposition was observed than that during exposure to individual NPs. Antagonistic toxic effects of two NPs on dry cell weight of algae was observed at both concentration levels. Future work is needed to understand the steps involved in toxicity due to mixture of NPs to algae so that environmental exposures of algae to NPs can be managed and minimized.

A critical review of the environmental impacts of manufactured nano-objects on earthworm species

The presence of manufactured nano-objects (MNOs) in various consumer or their (future large-scale) use as nanoagrochemical have increased with the rapid development of nanotechnology and therefore, concerns associated with its possible ecotoxicological effects are also arising. MNOs are releasing along the product life cycle, consequently accumulating in soils and other environmental matrices, and potentially leading to adverse effects on soil biota and their associated processes. Earthworms, of the group of Oligochaetes, are an ecologically significant group of organisms and play an important role in soil remediation, as well as acting as a potential vector for trophic transfer of MNOs through the food chain. This review presents a comprehensive and critical overview of toxic effects of MNOs on earthworms in soil system. We reviewed pathways of MNOs in agriculture soil environment with its expected production, release, and bioaccumulation. Furthermore, we thoroughly examined scientific literature from last ten years and critically evaluated the potential ecotoxicity of 16 different metal oxide or carbon-based MNO types. Various adverse effects on the different earthworm life stages have been reported, including reduction in growth rate, changes in biochemical and molecular markers, reproduction and survival rate. Importantly, this literature review reveals the scarcity of long-term toxicological data needed to actually characterize MNOs risks, as well as an understanding of mechanisms causing toxicity to earthworm species. This review sheds light on this knowledge gap as investigating bio-nano interplay in soil environment improves our major understanding for safer applications of MNOs in the agriculture environment.

Hydrophobic Surface Coating Can Reduce Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to the Marine Copepod Tigriopus japonicus

Coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are more commonly applied in commercial products but current risk assessments mostly focus on bare ZnO-NPs. To investigate the impacts of surface coatings, this study examined acute and chronic toxicities of six chemicals, including bare ZnO-NPs, ZnO-NPs with three silane coatings of different hydrophobicity, zinc oxide bulk particles (ZnO-BKs), and zinc ions (Zn-IONs), toward a marine copepod, Tigriopus japonicus. In acute tests, bare ZnO-NPs and hydrophobic ZnO-NPs were less toxic than hydrophilic ZnO-NPs. Analyses of the copepod's antioxidant gene expression suggested that such differences were governed by hydrodynamic size and ion dissolution of the particles, which affected zinc bioaccumulation in copepods. Conversely, all test particles, except the least toxic hydrophobic ZnO-NPs, shared similar chronic toxicity as Zn-IONs because they mostly dissolved into zinc ions at low test concentrations. The metadata analysis, together with our test results, further suggested that the toxicity of coated metal-associated nanoparticles could be predicted by the hydrophobicity and density of their surface coatings. This study evidenced the influence of surface coatings on the physicochemical properties, toxicity, and toxic mechanisms of ZnO-NPs and provided insights into the toxicity prediction of coated nanoparticles from their coating properties to improve their future risk assessment and management.

Mechanism of nanotoxicity in Chlorella vulgaris exposed to zinc and iron oxide

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Growth kinetics of C. vulgaris is influenced by NPs exposure.

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NPs exposure influence proline, carotenoid, activity of SOD, CAT and LDH.

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NPs exposure disintegrate cellular membrane.

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Zinc and iron oxide NPs are more toxic to C. vulgaris compared to bulk counterpart.

Usage of nanoparticle in various products has increased tremendously in the recent past. Toxicity of these nanoparticles can have a huge impact on aquatic ecosystem. Algae are the ideal organism of the aquatic ecosystem to understand the toxicity impact of nanoparticles. The present study focuses on the toxicity evaluation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles towards freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris. The dose dependent growth retardation in Chlorella vulgaris is observed under ZnO and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and nanoform attributed more toxicity than their bulk counterparts. The IC₅₀ values of ZnO and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles was reported at 0.258 mg L⁻¹ and 12.99 mg L^-1 whereas, for the bulk-form, it was 1.255 mgL^-1 and 17.88 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The significant decline in chlorophyll content and increase in proline content, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, indicated the stressful physiological state of microalgae. An increased lactate dehydrogenase level in treated samples suggested membrane disintegration by ZnO and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. Compound microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirm cell entrapment, deposition of nanoparticles on the cell surface and disintegration of algal cell wall. Higher toxicity of nanoform in comparison to bulk chemistry is a point of concern.

Can Swimming Microalgal Cells be Vehicles for ZnO Nanoparticle Transportation and Thus Lead to Zn Diffusion?

The concentration of eco-toxic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) in aquatic ecosystems is increasing, and an effective method for their removal is needed. We hypothesize that microalgal cells may act as nZnO vehicles-if the nZnO concentration does not affect their swimming ability-enabling Zn diffusion and sedimentation. We conducted experiments using flasks connected via a U-type vessel; the first flask contained nZnO suspensions and second flask contained artificial seawater, respectively. We added microalgae to the first flask and illuminated the second. The microalgae appeared to promote sedimentation. However, only a few microalgal cells passed via phototaxis into the second flask, so the detection of nZnO or Zn ions in the second flask was not possible. Therefore, to confirm whether the microalgae affect Zn transportation, a more accurate method to detect nZnO or Zn ions at very low concentrations is needed.

Bioaccumulation and toxicokinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) co-exposed with graphene nanosheets (GNs) in the blackfish (Capoeta fusca)

In this study, we investigated the bioaccumulation and toxicokinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) alone and in the presence of graphene nanosheets (GNs) in the blackfish (Capoeta fusca). Blackfish were exposed via water to two ZnO NPs concentrations alone or as a combination with GNs and uptake of Zn into the gills, intestine, liver, and kidney was assessed at 7, 14 and 28 d. Zn elimination from these tissues was then assessed after a further 7, 14 and 28 d in clean water for both ZnO NPs concentrations and combined ZnO NPs/GN exposures. In the body tissues analyzed of exposed fish, the highest amounts of Zn occurred in the intestine and the lowest amount in the liver. Zn levels in blackfish after 28 d of exposure were higher in all treatment groups compared to those on 7 d (p < 0.05). For both ZnO NPs exposure concentrations, the highest amount of Zn was eliminated from the intestine, followed by the gills. Furthermore, elimination kinetics for both ZnO NPs concentrations alone and in combination with GNs showed that the shortest half-life for Zn is occurring in the intestine. Moreover, uptake rates of Zn in fish exposed to ZnO NPs + GNs followed the same pattern observed for the ZnO NP, with intestine and gills having the highest levels followed by kidney and liver. Thus, we show accumulation and elimination of Zn from ZnO NPs in blackfish depends on the tissue, exposure concentration and duration, and is dependent on the presence of GNs.

Distinguishing the effects of Ce nanoparticles from their dissolution products: identification of transcriptomic biomarkers that are specific for ionic Ce in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Cerium (Ce) is a rare earth element that is incorporated in numerous consumer products, either in its cationic form or as engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). Given the propensity of small oxide particles to dissolve, it is unclear whether biological responses induced by ENPs will be due to the nanoparticles themselves or rather due to their dissolution. This study provides the foundation for the development of transcriptomic biomarkers that are specific for ionic Ce in the freshwater alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, exposed either to ionic Ce or to two different types of small Ce ENPs (uncoated, ∼10 nm, or citrate-coated, ∼4 nm). Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to analyse mRNA levels of four ionic Ce-specific genes (Cre17g.737300, MMP6, GTR12, and HSP22E) that were previously identified by whole transcriptome analysis in addition to two oxidative stress biomarkers (APX1 and GPX5). Expression was characterized for exposures to 0.03-3 µM Ce, for 60-360 min and for pH 5.0-8.0. Near-linear concentration-response curves were obtained for the ionic Ce and as a function of exposure time. Some variability in the transcriptomic response was observed as a function of pH, which was attributed to the formation of metastable Ce species in solution. Oxidative stress biomarkers analysed at transcriptomic and cellular levels confirmed that different effects were induced for dissolved Ce in comparison to Ce ENPs. The measured expression levels confirmed that changes in Ce speciation and the dissolution of Ce ENPs greatly influence Ce bioavailability.

To-Do and Not-To-Do in Model Studies of the Uptake, Fate and Metabolism of Metal-Containing Nanoparticles in Plants

Due to the increasing release of metal-containing nanoparticles into the environment, the investigation of their interactions with plants has become a hot topic for many research fields. However, the obtention of reliable data requires a careful design of experimental model studies. The behavior of nanoparticles has to be comprehensively investigated; their stability in growth media, bioaccumulation and characterization of their physicochemical forms taken-up by plants, identification of the species created following their dissolution/oxidation, and finally, their localization within plant tissues. On the basis of their strong expertise, the authors present guidelines for studies of interactions between metal-containing nanoparticles and plants.

Metal-based engineered nanoparticles in the drinking water treatment systems: A critical review

The emergence of nanotechnologically-enabled materials, compounds or products inevitably leads to engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) released into surface waters. ENPs have already been detected in wastewater streams, drinking water sources and even in tap water at concentrations in the ng/L and μg/L range, making the latter a potential route for humans. The presence of ENPs in raw waters raises concerns over the possibility that ENPs might pose a hazard to the quality and security of drinking water and whether drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) are prepared to handle this problem. Therefore, it is essential to critically evaluate if ENPs can be effectively removed through water treatment processes to control environmental and human health risks associated with their release. This review includes a summary of the available information on production, presence, potential hazards to human health and environment, and release and behaviour of metal-based ENPs in surface waters and drinking water. In addition, the most extensively studied water treatment processes to remove metal-based ENPs, specifically conventional and advanced processes, are discussed and highlighted in detail. Furthermore, this work identifies the research gaps regarding ENPs removal in DWTPs and discusses future aspects of ENPs in water treatment.

Do the joint effects of size, shape and ecocorona influence the attachment and physical eco(cyto)toxicity of nanoparticles to algae?

We systematically investigated how the combinations of size, shape and the natural organic matter (NOM)-ecocorona of gold (Au) engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) influence the attachment of the particles to algae and physical toxicity to the cells. Spherical (10, 60 and 100 nm), urchin-shaped (60 nm), rod-shaped (10 × 45, 40 × 60 and 50 × 100 nm), and wire-shaped (75 × 500, 75 × 3000 and 75 × 6000 nm) citrate-coated and NOM-coated Au-ENPs were used. Among the spherical particles only the spherical 10 nm Au-ENPs caused membrane damage to algae. Only the rod-shaped 10 × 45 nm induced membrane damage among the rod-shaped Au-ENPs. Wire-shaped Au-ENPs caused no membrane damage to the algae. NOM ecocorona decreased the membrane damage effects of spherical 10 nm and rod-shaped 10 × 45 nm ENPs. The spherical Au-ENPs were mostly loosely attached to the cells compared to other shapes, whereas the wire-shaped Au-ENPs were mostly strongly attached compared to particles with other shapes. NOM ecocorona determined the strength of Au-ENPs attachment to the cell wall, leading to the formation of loose rather than strong attachment of Au-ENPs to the cells. After removal of the loosely and strongly attached Au-ENPs, some particles remained anchored to the surface of the algae. The highest concentration was detected for spherical 10 nm Au-ENPs followed by rod-shaped 10 × 45 nm Au-ENPs, while the lowest concentration was observed for the wire-shaped Au-ENPs. The combined effect of shape, size, and ecocorona controls the Au-ENPs attachment and physical toxicity to cells.

Toxicity assessment of ZnO nanoparticles to freshwater microalgae Coelastrella terrestris

Commercial usage of ZnO nanoparticles has increased recently due to its versatile applications, raising serious environmental concern because of its ultimate release of nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of ZnO nanoparticle toxicity especially on algal flora, which is the primary producer in the aquatic food chain. In the current study, algal growth kinetics was assessed after the exposure of zinc oxide nanoparticles and its bulk counterpart to Coelastrella terrestris (Chlorophyceae). Zinc oxide nanoparticles were found to be more toxic (y = 34.673x, R² = - 0.101, 1 mg L^-1 nanoparticle (NP)) than bulk (y = 50.635x, R² = 0.173, 1 mg L^-1 bulk) by entrapping the algal cell surface. Higher toxicity may be due to oxidative stress within the algal cell as confirmed through biochemical analysis. Biochemical parameters revealed stressful physiological condition in the alga under nanoparticle exposure, as lactate dehydrogenase release (18.89 ± 0.2 NP; 13.67 ± 0.2 bulk), lipid peroxidation (0.9147 ± 1.2 NP; 0.7480 ± 0.8 bulk), and catalase activity (4.77 ± 0.1 NP; 3.32 ± 0.1 bulk) were found higher at 1 mg L^-1 in the case of nano-form. Surface adsorptions of nanoparticles were observed by SEM. Cell organelle damage, cell wall breakage, and cytoplasm shrinkage were found as responses under toxic condition through SEM and TEM. Toxicity was found to be influenced by dose concentration and exposure period. This study indicates that nano-form of ZnO is found to be more toxic than bulk form to freshwater alga.

Comparative dissolution, uptake, and toxicity of zinc oxide particles in individual aquatic species and mixed populations

Potential differences in species susceptibility to nanoparticle (NP) contaminants make the use of multispecies community toxicity testing strategies beneficial in understanding NP risk to aquatic environments. Because of the limited knowledge of zinc oxide (ZnO) NP fate and toxicity, we conducted multispecies exposures and compared the responses of individual species to the same species in a community comprised of algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), bacteria (Escherichia coli), crustaceans (Daphnia magna), and zebrafish (Danio rerio). Different-sized ZnO particles and ionic Zn were compared to investigate the contribution of particulate and dissolved Zn to aquatic organism toxicity. Each organism and community was exposed to Zn sources at 0.08, 0.8, and 8 mg Zn/L. The present results indicate that all 3 types of Zn elicited differential toxicity among test organisms, with stronger adverse outcomes observed in single species than within a community. The community assay (nanocosm) we developed increased resilience to all Zn exposures by 5 to 10% compared to individual exposures at equivalent concentrations. In addition, the uptake and toxicity of ZnO particles to aquatic communities appear to be driven by rapid dissolution and the concomitant impacts of zinc ion toxicity, and the size of the ZnO particles had little impact on uptake or toxicity. The nanocosm assay could be a useful screening tool for rapidly assessing the potential impacts of nanomaterials to aquatic species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:591-602. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Physiological responses of Chlorella sorokiniana to copper nanoparticles

Copper (Cu) nanomaterials have been increasingly researched and produced for many different consumer products. They have high reactivity and bactericidal properties, making them important in antifouling paints, which are thus directly introduced into aquatic ecosystems. However, studies are scarce on the behavior of Cu nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in natural aquatic systems and their interactions with primary producers such as microalgae. We investigated the effects of NPs on some physiological responses of the freshwater phytoplankton Chlorella sorokiniana. The cells were exposed to nominal concentrations ranging from 2.50 to 635.00 μg L^-1 Cu-NPs for 96 h under laboratory-controlled conditions. The cultures were monitored daily for population growth and maximum photosynthetic quantum yield. Total lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates were quantified at 72 h of Cu-NP exposure. The results showed a positive correlation between nominal Cu-NPs and Cu in the biomass (0.97 correlation coefficient) and that this was inversely proportional to total carbohydrates, with a -0.64 correlation coefficient. At the higher end of the Cu-NP concentrations tested, higher total proteins and reduced growth rates were obtained in comparison with controls; we suggest that metal-binding proteins/antioxidants and nonstructural proteins were preferentially produced under these conditions. Our results contribute to an understanding of the interaction between Cu-NPs and a cosmopolitan phytoplankton, C. sorokiniana, and we emphasize that the disposal and use of Cu-NPs requires monitoring because even at environmentally relevant concentrations, the composition of the algae was affected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:387-395. © 2018 SETAC.

An assessment of applicability of existing approaches to predicting the bioaccumulation of conventional substances in nanomaterials

The experimental determination of bioaccumulation is challenging, and a number of approaches have been developed for its prediction. It is important to assess the applicability of these predictive approaches to nanomaterials (NMs), which have been shown to bioaccumulate. The octanol/water partition coefficient (K_OW ) may not be applicable to some NMs that are not found in either the octanol or water phases but rather are found at the interface. Thus the K_OW values obtained for certain NMs are shown not to correlate well with the experimentally determined bioaccumulation. Implementation of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for NMs is also challenging because the bioaccumulation of NMs depends on nano-specific properties such as shape, size, and surface area. Thus there is a need to develop new QSAR models based on these new nanodescriptors; current efforts appear to focus on digital processing of NM images as well as the conversion of surface chemistry parameters into adsorption indices. Water solubility can be used as a screening tool for the exclusion of NMs with short half-lives. Adaptation of fugacity/aquivalence models, which include physicochemical properties, may give some insights into the bioaccumulation potential of NMs, especially with the addition of a biota component. The use of kinetic models, including physiologically based pharmacokinetic models, appears to be the most suitable approach for predicting bioaccumulation of NMs. Furthermore, because bioaccumulation of NMs depends on a number of biotic and abiotic factors, it is important to take these factors into account when one is modeling bioaccumulation and interpreting bioaccumulation results. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2972-2988. © 2018 SETAC.

Dietary transfer of zinc oxide particles from algae (Scenedesmus obliquus) to daphnia (Ceriodaphnia dubia)

The rapid increase in production and usage of ZnO particles in recent years has instigated the concerns regarding their plausible effects on the environment. Current study explores the trophic transfer potential of ZnO particles of different sizes (50, 100 nm and bulk particles) from algae (Scenedesmus obliquus) to daphnia (Ceriodaphnia dubia) and the contribution of ZnO_(ions) (effect of dissolved Zn ions that remain in test medium after separation NPs) to the overall toxicity of ZnO_(total) (impact of both particle and dissolved Zn ions). Toxicity and uptake of ZnO_(total) and ZnO_(ions) in algae were found to be dependent on the concentration and particle size. Feeding of Zn accumulated algae (517 ± 28, 354.7 ± 61 and 291 ± 20 µg/g dry wt.) post-exposure to 61 µM of ZnO_(total) of 50, 100 nm and bulk ZnO particles caused a significant decrease in the survival (15-20%) of daphnia. A significant amount of Zn accumulation was observed in daphnia even after the 48 h depuration period. Biomagnification factor was found to be nearly 1 for all the sizes of ZnO particles tested. For 50 nm ZnO, the BMF was higher when compared to other two sizes, reaching the mean value of 1.06 ± 0.01 at 61 µM. Further analysis revealed that the dietary uptake of different sizes of ZnO particles caused ultra-structural damages and degradation of internal organs in daphnia.

Toxicity of mixtures of zinc oxide and graphene oxide nanoparticles to aquatic organisms of different trophic level: particles outperform dissolved ions

Concomitant releases of various engineered nanoparticles (NPs) into the environment have resulted in concerns regarding their combined toxicity to aquatic organisms. It is however, still elusive to distinguish the contribution to toxicity of components in NP mixtures. In the present study, we quantitatively evaluated the relative contribution of NPs in their particulate form (NP_(particle)) and of dissolved ions released from NPs (NP_(ion)) to the combined toxicity of binary mixtures of ZnO NPs and graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GO NPs) to three aquatic organisms of different trophic levels, including an alga species (Scenedesmus obliquus), a cladoceran species (Daphnia magna), and a freshwater fish larva (Danio rerio). Our results revealed that the effects of ZnO NPs and GO NPs were additive to S. obliquus and D. magna but antagonistic to D. rerio. The relative contribution to toxicity (RCT) of the mixture components to S. obliquus decreased in the order of RCT_{GO NP(particle)} > RCT_{ZnO NP(particle)} > RCT_{ZnO NP(ion)}, while the RCT of the mixture components to D. magna and D. rerio decreased in the order of RCT_{ZnO NP(particle)} > RCT_{GO NP(particle)} > RCT_{ZnO NP(ion)}. This finding also implies that the suspended particles rather than the dissolved Zn-ions dictated the combined toxicity of binary mixtures of ZnO NPs and GO NPs to the aquatic organisms of different trophic level. The alleviation of the contribution to toxicity of the ionic form of ZnO NPs was caused by the adsorption of the dissolved ions on GO NPs. Furthermore, the ZnO NP_(particle) and GO NP_(particle) displayed a different contribution to the observed mixture toxicity, dependent on the trophic level of the aquatic organisms tested. The difference of the contributions between the two particulate forms was mainly associated with differences in the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Our findings highlight the important role of particles in the ecological impact of multi-nanomaterial systems.

Emissions of Secondary Formed ZnO Nano-Objects from the Combustion of Impregnated Wood. An Online Size-Resolved Elemental Investigation

The release of secondary nano-objects formed during waste combustion processes is becoming a matter of concern, considering their known toxicity and the fact that the 100% efficiency of filtering systems is not always ensured. An increased cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on human peripheral blood lymphocytes is known particularly in the case of ZnO, which is often contained in paints and waterproof agents, heading to a relevant quantity present in the waste wood material. In this study, the behavior of ZnO nanoparticles during wood combustion and the effect of the reduction potential of generated carbon species on the release of secondarily formed ZnO-containing nano-objects were investigated. By hyphenating a modified scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), it was possible to obtain simultaneously size-resolved and chemical information on the emitted nanoparticles. Through the established correlation between SMPS and ICP-MS signals, Zn-containing particles were efficiently resolved from the combustion generated particles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) on size-selected particles confirmed the SMPS and ICP-MS data. The use of electron diffraction allowed determining the structure of the crystalline materials as hexagonal ZnO. A possible mechanism of reduction of ZnO to Zn and further reformation as secondary nano-objects is proposed.

Assessing the interactions of metal nanoparticles in soil and sediment matrices - A quantitative analytical multi-technique approach

The impact and behavior of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) entering the environment is an important issue due to their growing use in consumer and agricultural products. Their mobility and fate in the environment are heavily impacted by their interactions with natural particle components of saturated sediments and soils. In this study, functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs - used as model ENMs) were spiked into complex solid-containing media (standard soils and estuarine sediment in moderately hard water). AuNPs were characterized in the colloidal extract (< 1 μm) following centrifugal separation of the non-colloidal phase, using different analytical techniques including asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation and single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Attachment of functionalized AuNPs to the soil particles did not significantly depend on their concentration or surface coating (citrate, bPEI, PVP, PEG). Similarly, UV degradation of coatings did not substantially alter their recovery. Conversely, the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) is a key factor in their adhesion to matrix particles, by decreasing the predicted influence of native surface chemistry and functional coatings. A kinetic experiment performed over 48 h showed that attachment to soil colloids is rapid and that hetero-aggregation is dominant. These results suggest that transport of ENMs away from the point of discharge (or entry) could be limited in soils and sediments, but additional experiments under more realistic and dynamic field conditions would be necessary to confirm this more generally. Transport properties may also differ substantially in matrices where NOM is largely absent or otherwise sequestered or when dissolution of ENMs is an important factor.

Transformation and bioavailability of metal oxide nanoparticles in aquatic and terrestrial environments. A review

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MeO-NPs) are among the most consumed NPs and also have wide applications in various areas which increased their release into the environmental system. Aquatic (water and sediments) and terrestrial compartments are predicted to be the destination of the released MeO-NPs. In these compartments, the particles are subjected to various dynamic processes such as physical, chemical and biological processes, and undergo transformations which drive them away from their pristine state. These transformation pathways can have strong implications for the fate, transport, persistence, bioavailability and toxic-effects of the NPs. In this critical review, we provide the state-of-the-knowledge on the transformation processes and bioavailability of MeO-NPs in the environment, which is the topic of interest to researchers. We also recommend future research directions in the area which will support future risk assessments by enhancing our knowledge of the transformation and bioavailability of MeO-NPs.

Reviews of the toxicity behavior of five potential engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) into the aquatic ecosystem

Presently, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are used in a wide variety of commercial applications, resulting in an uncontrolled introduction into the aquatic environment. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pathways and factors that controlling the transport and toxicity of five extensively used ENMs. These toxicological pathways are of great importance and need to be addressed for sustainable implications of ENMs without environmental liabilities. Here we discuss five potentially utilized ENMs with their possible toxicological risk factors to aquatic plants, vertebrates model and microbes. Moreover, the key effect of ENMs surface transformations by significant reaction with environmental objects such as dissolved natural organic matter (DOM) and the effect of ENMs surface coating and surface charge will also be debated. The transformations of ENMs are subsequently facing a major ecological transition that is expected to create a substantial toxicological effect towards the ecosystem. These transformations largely involve chemical and physical processes, which depend on the properties of both ENMs and the receiving medium. In this review article, the critical issues that controlling the transport and toxicity of ENMs are reviewed by exploiting the latest reports and future directions and targets are keenly discussed to minimize the pessimistic effects of ENMs.

Environmental dynamics of metal oxide nanoparticles in heterogeneous systems: A review

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used for many purposes including water treatment, health, cosmetics, electronics, food packaging, and even food products. As their applications continue to expand, concerns have been mounting about the environmental fate and potential health risks of the nanoparticles in the environment. Based on the latest information, this review provides an overview of the factors that affect the fate, transformation and toxicity of MNPs. Emphasis is placed on the effects of various aquatic contaminants under various environmental conditions on the transformation of metal oxides and their transport kinetics - both in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems - and the effects of contaminants on the toxicity of MNPs. The presence of existing contaminants decreases bioavailability through hetero-aggregation, sorption, and/or complexation upon an interaction with MNPs. Contaminants also influence the fate and transport of MNPs and exhibit their synergistic toxic effects that contribute to the extent of the toxicity. This review will help regulators, engineers, and scientists in this field to understand the latest development on MNPs, their interactions with aquatic contaminants as well as the environmental dynamics of their fate and transformation. The knowledge gap and future research needs are also identified, and the challenges in assessing the environmental fate and transport of nanoparticles in heterogeneous systems are discussed.

Effects of aging and soil properties on zinc oxide nanoparticle availability and its ecotoxicological effects to the earthworm Eisenia andrei

To assess the influence of soil properties and aging on the availability and toxicity of zinc (Zn) applied as nanoparticles (Zn oxide [ZnO]-NPs) or as Zn²⁺ ions (Zn chloride [ZnCl₂ ]), 3 natural soils were individually spiked with either ZnO-NPs or ZnCl₂ and incubated for up to 6 mo. Available Zn concentrations in soil were measured by porewater extraction (ZnPW), whereas earthworms (Eisenia andrei) were exposed to study Zn bioavailability. Porewater extraction concentrations were lower when Zn was applied as NPs compared to the ionic form and decreased with increasing soil pH. For both Zn forms and Zn-PW values were affected by aging, but they varied among the tested soils, highlighting the influence of soil properties. Internal Zn concentration in the earthworms (ZnE) was highest for the soil with high organic carbon content (5.4%) and basic pH (7.6) spiked with Zn-NPs, but the same soil spiked with ZnCl₂ showed the lowest increase in ZnE compared to the control. Survival, weight change, and reproduction of the earthworms were affected by both Zn forms; but differences in toxicity could not be explained by soil properties or aging. This shows that ZnO-NPs and ZnCl₂ behave differently in soils depending on soil properties and aging processes, but differences in earthworm toxicity remain unexplained. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:137-146. © 2016 SETAC.

The role of PVP in the bioavailability of Ag from the PVP-stabilized Ag nanoparticle suspension

We assessed the bioavailability of Ag from Ag nanoparticles (NPs), stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), to terrestrial isopods which were exposed to 10, 100 and 1000 μg Ag NPs/g of dry food. Different Ag species were determined in the NP suspension that was fed to isopods: (i) total Ag by atomic absorption spectroscopy, (ii) the sum of Ag-PVP complexes and free Ag⁺ by anodic stripping voltammetry at the bismuth-film electrode, and (iii) free Ag⁺ by ion-selective potentiometry. The amounts of Ag species in the consumed food were compared to the masses of Ag accumulated in the isopod digestive glands. Our results show that all three Ag species (Ag NPs, Ag-PVP complexes and free Ag⁺) could be the source of bioaccumulated Ag, but to various degrees depending on the exposure concentration and transformations in the digestive system. We provide a proof that (i) Ag NPs dissolve and Ag-PVP complexes dissociate in the isopod digestive tract; (ii) the concentration of free Ag⁺ in the suspension offered to the test organisms is not the only measure of bioavailable Ag. The type of NP stabilizer along with the NP transformations in the digestive system needs to be considered in the creation of new computational models of the nanomaterial fate.

Spectroscopic probe to contribution of physicochemical transformations in the toxicity of aged ZnO NPs to Chlorella vulgaris: new insight into the variation of toxicity of ZnO NPs under aging process

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the most abundantly applied nanomaterials in nanotechnology-based industries and they may cause unexpected environmental and health risks with their physicochemical transformations in the environment. Currently, there is still a lack of the in-depth understanding of the toxicity of aged ZnO NPs to aquatic organisms, particularly demanding quantitative analysis of the physicochemical transformations to distinguish their contributions in the toxicity assessment. For this purpose, therefore, we initiated the study of the toxicity of aged ZnO NPs to the model aquatic microalga, i.e. Chlorella vulgaris, and with the aid of spectroscopic tools for characterization and quantification of the physicochemical transformations, we scrutinized the toxicity variations for ZnO NPs with different aging times. As a result, we found that the toxicity altered in an abnormal manner with the aging time, i.e. the toxicity of aged ZnO NPs for 30 days showed the higher toxicity to the green alga than the fresh ZnO NPs or the ZnO NPs aged for longer time (e.g. 120 and 210 days). Through spectroscopic tools such as XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, we made both the qualitative and quantitative assessments of the physicochemical changes of the ZnO NPs, and confirmed that in the early stage, the toxicity mainly stemmed from the release of zinc ions, but with longer aging time, the neoformation of the nanoparticles played the critical role, leading to the overall reduced toxicity due to the less toxic hydrozincite and zinc hydroxide in the transformed compounds.

Manufactured nanoparticles in the aquatic environment-biochemical responses on freshwater organisms: A critical overview

The enormous investments in nanotechnology have led to an exponential increase of new manufactured nano-enabled materials whose impact in the aquatic systems is still largely unknown. Ecotoxicity and nanosafety studies mostly resulted in contradictory results and generally failed to clearly identify biological patterns that could be related specifically to nanotoxicity. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the most discussed nanotoxicity mechanism in literature. ROS can induce oxidative stress (OS), resulting in cyto- and genotoxicity. The ROS overproduction can trigger the induction of anti-oxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidases (GPx), which are used as biomarkers of response. A critical overview of the biochemical responses induced by the presence of NPs on freshwater organisms is performed with a strong interest on indicators of ROS and general stress. A special focus will be given to the NPs transformations, including aggregation, and dissolution, in the exposure media and the produced biochemical endpoints.

Influence of surface chemical properties on the toxicity of engineered zinc oxide nanoparticles to embryonic zebrafish

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in a variety of products, thus understanding their health and environmental impacts is necessary to appropriately manage their risks. To keep pace with the rapid increase in products utilizing engineered ZnO NPs, rapid in silico toxicity test methods based on knowledge of comprehensive in vivo and in vitro toxic responses are beneficial in determining potential nanoparticle impacts. To achieve or enhance their desired function, chemical modifications are often performed on the NPs surface; however, the roles of these alterations play in determining the toxicity of ZnO NPs are still not well understood. As such, we investigated the toxicity of 17 diverse ZnO NPs varying in both size and surface chemistry to developing zebrafish (exposure concentrations ranging from 0.016 to 250 mg/L). Despite assessing a suite of 19 different developmental, behavioural and morphological endpoints in addition to mortality in this study, mortality was the most common endpoint observed for all of the ZnO NP types tested. ZnO NPs with surface chemical modification, regardless of the type, resulted in mortality at 24 hours post-fertilization (hpf) while uncoated particles did not induce significant mortality until 120 hpf. Using eight intrinsic chemical properties that relate to the outermost surface chemistry of the engineered ZnO nanoparticles, the highly dimensional toxicity data were converted to a 2-dimensional data set through principal component analysis (PCA). Euclidean distance was used to partition different NPs into several groups based on converted data (score) which were directly related to changes in the outermost surface chemistry. Kriging estimations were then used to develop a contour map based on mortality data as a response. This study illustrates how the intrinsic properties of NPs, including surface chemical modifications and capping agents, are useful to separate and identify ZnO NP toxicity to zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Detection and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles in Surface and Waste Waters Using Single Particle ICPMS

The increasing production of ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO) makes their analysis and characterization extremely important from an ecological risk perspective, especially at the low concentrations at which they are expected to be found in natural waters. Single particle ICPMS (SP-ICPMS) is one of the few techniques available to detect and characterize nanoparticles at environmentally relevant concentrations. Unfortunately, at the very low particle concentrations where SP-ICPMS is performed, significant dissolution of the nZnO generally increases background levels of dissolved Zn to the point where measurements are not generally possible. By hyphenating SP-ICPMS with an ion-exchange resin, it was possible to characterize and quantify nZnO in order to gain insight into the nature of the nZnO in natural waters. Spiked and unspiked water samples were analyzed using a SP-ICPMS that was coupled to a column containing a strong metal binding resin (Chelex 100). In addition to the detection of ZnO nanoparticles and the determination of a size distribution in natural waters, it was possible to partition the dissolved Zn among free and/or labile and strongly bound Zn fractions. In two natural waters, a high proportion (ca. 93-100%) of dissolved Zn was measured, and the residual ZnO particles were mainly composed of small agglomerates (average sizes ranging from 133.6 to 172.4 nm in the surface water and from 167.6 to 216.4 nm in the wastewater effluent). Small numbers of small nanoparticles were also detected in nonspiked waters.

Toxicity and accumulation of Cu and ZnO nanoparticles in Daphnia magna

There is increasing recognition that the wide use of nanoparticles, such as Cu (CuNPs) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs), may pose risks to the environment. Currently there is insufficient insight in the contribution of metal-based nanoparticles and their dissolved ions to the overall toxicity and accumulation. To fill in this gap, we combined the fate assessment of CuNPs and ZnONPs in aquatic test media with the assessment of toxicity and accumulation of ions and particles present in the suspensions. It was found that at the LC50 level of Daphnia magna exposed to the nanoparticle suspensions, the relative contributions of ions released from CuNPs and ZnONPs to toxicity were around 26% and 31%, respectively, indicating that particles rather than the dissolved ions were the major source of toxicity. It was additionally found that at the low exposure concentrations of CuNPs and ZnONPs (below 0.05 and 0.5 mg/L, respectively) the dissolved ions were predominantly accumulated, whereas at the high exposure concentrations (above 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively), particles rather than the released ions played a dominant role in the accumulation process. Our results thus suggest that consideration on the contribution of dissolved ions to nanoparticle toxicity needs to be interpreted with care.

The role of charged polymer coatings of nanoparticles on the speciation and fate of metal ions in the environment

Determining the environmental risk of metals requires an in-depth understanding of the environmental matrices composition, which currently also includes the presence of manufactured metallic nanoparticles (NPs) usually, stabilized by a polymer surface coating. As a consequence, is necessary to take into account effects of the NP core, the polymer surface coating and their mutual interaction as well as with other environmental components. The release of metal ions from metallic NPs is a well-known outcome, however, the effect of the presence of the NP polymer coating in the NPs solubilization mechanism is not well understood. In this study the dynamic speciation of Cd and Pb in presence of a polyacrylic acid (PAA)-stabilized CdTe/CdS NP was quantified by scanned stripping chronopotentiometry (SSCP). It was found that although the NP solubility was 5.8× larger at pH 8.5 than at pH 6.0, the amount of free Cd ions was much smaller (2.4 % at pH 8.5 vs. 57 % at pH 6.0). The concentration of free Cd and Pb ions in solution was larger in presence of the PAA-shells than when in presence of the same amount of polymer but when this is at the surface of the NP. This effect is attributed to the metal ions interaction with the particle itself. The effect is notably larger for Pb ions and might results from the exchange of Cd by Pb ions at the particle surface since PbS is less soluble than CdS.