Risk assessment of iron oxide nanoparticles in an aquatic ecosystem: a case study on Biomphalaria glabrata

Abstract

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been applied in several sectors in the environmental field, such as aquatic nanoremediation, due to their unique superparamagnetic and nanospecific properties. However, the knowledge of chronic toxicity of IONPs on aquatic invertebrate remains limited. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the chronic toxicity of gluconic acid-functionalized IONPs (GLA-IONPs) and their dissolved counterpart (FeCl3) to freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata. GLA-IONPs were synthesized and characterized by multiple techniques, and the snails were exposed to both Fe forms at environmentally relevant concentrations (1.0-15.6 mg L-1) for 28 days. The bioaccumulation, mortality rate, behavior impairments, morphological alterations, fecundity and fertility of snails were analyzed. Results showed that GLA-IONPs induced high iron bioaccumulation in the entire soft tissue portion. Chronic exposure to GLA-IONP increased the behavioral impairments of snails compared to iron ions and control groups. Both Fe forms reduced the fecundity, while the mortality and reduced fertility were observed only after the exposure to GLA-IONPs at 15.6 mg L-1. Overall results indicated the behavioral impairments and reproductive toxicity associated, possibly, to bioaccumulation of GLA-IONPs in the B. glabrata. These results can be useful for the development of eco-friendly nanotechnologies.