Metallic, metal oxide, and metalloid nanoparticles toxic effects on freshwater microcrustaceans: an update and basis for the use of new test species

GUTIERREZ, MARÍA FLORENCIA; ALE, ANALÍA; ANDRADE, VICTORIA; BACCHETTA, CARLA; ROSSI, ANDREA; CAZENAVE, JIMENA

WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH

WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION

Año: 2021 vol. 93 p. 2505 - 2526

1061-4303

In this article, we performed a literature review on the metallic, metal oxide, and metalloid nanoparticles (NP) effects on freshwater microcrustaceans, specifically focusing on (i) the main factors influencing the NP toxicity and (ii) their main ecotoxicological effects. Also, given that most studies are currently developed on the standard test species Daphnia magna Straus, we analyzed(iii) the potential differences in the biological responses between D. magna and other freshwater microcrustacean, and (iv) the ecological implications of considering only D. magna as surrogate of other microcrustaceans. We found that NP effects on microcrustaceans depended on their intrinsicproperties as well as the exposure conditions. Among the general responses to different NP, we identified body burial, feeding inhibition, biochemical effects, metabolic changes, and reproductive and behavioral alterations. The differences in the biological responses between D. magna and other freshwater microcrustacean rely on the morphology (size and shape), ecological traits (feeding mechanisms, life cycles), and intrinsic sensitivities. Thus, we strongly recommend the use of microcrustaceans species with different morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics in future ecotoxicity tests with NP to provide relevant information with regulation purposes regarding the discharge of NP into aquatic environments.