Engineered metal nanoparticles in the marine environment: A review of the effects on marine fauna. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roma, Joana; Matos, Ana Rita; Vinagre, Catarina; Duarte, Bernardo
• Is Part Of: Marine environmental research. Volume 161(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Marine fauna -- Ecotoxicity -- Biomarkers -- Metal nanoparticles -- Nanotoxicity; Marine pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Marine ecology -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Écologie marine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 577.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-1136

Abstract

Abstract: There is an increasing awareness of how damaging pollutants in the marine environment can be, however information on the effects of metal engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on marine biota is still insufficient, despite an exponential rising in related publications in recent years. In order to provide an integrated insight on the present state of the art on metal ENP-related ecotoxicology studies on marine fauna, this review aimed to: (i) highlight the means of toxicity of metal ENPs in the marine environment, (ii) identify the principal biotic and abiotic factors that may alter metal ENP toxicity, and (iii) analyse and categorize results of these studies, including accumulation, molecular and histological biomarkers, genotoxicity and behavioural changes. Data retrieved from Scopus yielded 134 studies that met pre-established criteria. Most often, the target ENPs were titanium, zinc, copper or silver, and most studies (61.2%) focused on the phylum Mollusca. The degree of toxicity of metal ENPs was often dependent on the concentrations tested, length of exposure and the type of tissue sampled. Effects from simple tissue accumulation to DNA damage or behavioural alterations were identified, even when concentrations below environmentally available levels were used. It is proposed that other phyla besides the traditional Mollusca (and within it Bivalvia) should be used more often in this kind of studies, that exact pathways of toxicity be further explored, and lastly that co-stressors be used in order to best mimic conditions observed in nature. In this review, the current knowledge on engineered metal nanoparticles and their effects on marine fauna was summarized, highlighting present knowledge gaps. Guidelines for future studies focusing on under-developed subjects in ENP toxicology are also briefly provided. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Pollution by engineered metal nanoparticles (ENPs) is widespread across marine fauna. The characteristics of the ENP are essential important determinants of toxicity. Accumulation was the most frequent endpoint for toxicity. Authors recommend future studies to have more standardized methodologies.