Chapter 27 - Ecotoxicological effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on test organisms from soil micro- and mesofauna

Abstract

The adverse effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on soil animal groups are becoming more noticeable. Although environmental concentrations of nanoparticles in most cases still do not reach the threshold of acute toxicity, these substances can create long-term adverse effects. Sensitive endpoints, like forms of interactions, population effects, generation of reactive oxygen species, etc., are a feasible way to make the outcome of the research direction more environmentally relevant. Most of the reviewed articles reported differences between the toxicity of nano- and bulk metal oxides, with a smaller particle size proving to be more toxic. However, mechanisms behind these findings are rarely explained. Little information is available on the fate of nano- and bulk metal oxides in soil. Therefore there is an urgent need to develop new test methodologies in order to better explore chemical and physical properties as well as the biotic effects of these materials.