Alterations induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO
2) in fertilization and embryonic and larval development of the tropical sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023;
188:106016. [PMID:
37167835 DOI:
10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The release of nanomaterials into the environment is the cause of an emerging concern. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) among the most produced nanomaterials, has been documented in marine coastal areas posing a threat on marine biota. Sea urchin embryos are recognized as suitable bioindicators in ecological risk assessment and recently for nanomaterials. This study investigated the impact of nano-TiO2 on fertilization, embryonic and larval development of the tropical sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus in a range of concentrations (0.005-5 μg/mL) which includes environmentally relevant ones. The behavior of nano-TiO2 in tropical natural seawater was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and toxicity was evaluated through fertilization and embryotoxicity tests, and morphological/morphometric analyses of sea urchin's larvae. Limited toxicity was recorded for nano-TiO2 in tropical sea urchin embryos and larvae, except for effects at the gastrula stage at 0.005 μg/mL. Large agglomerates of nano-TiO2 (5 μg/mL) were observed adhering onto sea urchin larvae thus probably preventing nanoparticles uptake at the highest concentrations (>0.005 μg/mL). Environmental levels of nano-TiO2 are able to cause toxicity on tropical sea urchin L. variegatus embryos with potential consequences on populations and their ecological role in tropical coastal areas.
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