Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) can display toxicological effects on aquatic organisms. This study investigates ecotoxicological effects of Ag-NPs on reproductive and blood parameters of adult common molly (Poecilia sphenops) and their larvae. During the LC50 96 h test, female fish were exposed to concentrations of 0, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 60 mg L−1 of Ag-NPs, while larvae were exposed to 0, 3, 5, 10 and 15 mg L−1. Finally, we aim to evaluate the effects of 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg L−1 of Ag-NPs on parturition time, reproductive success and hematological parameters of the mature fish exposed to sub-lethal concentration during a 62-day period. We also evaluated the survival rate of larvae. The results show a positive correlation between mortality rate and Ag-NP concentration. Values for LC50 96 h in adult fish and larvae were 26.85 mg L−1 and 6.22 mg L−1, respectively. A lack of parturition and reproductive success were seen in fish that underwent chronic exposure to Ag-NPs (15 mg L−1). The results show that RBC, WBC and hematocrit were significantly decreased in fish exposed to Ag-NPs. In addition, the serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased in fish submitted to Ag-NPs (concentrations of 5–15). In conclusion, submitting a fish to higher concentration than 10 mg L−1 has adverse effects on reproductive system and blood parameters.
Highlights
Lethal concentrations were different for adult fish and larvae
The results show that red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and hematocrit were significantly decreased in fish exposed to
Even though LC50 at 96 h was around 25 mg/L, our results show that much lower concentrations can have profound negative impacts on the reproductive and blood parameters of fish
Summary
The different types of nanoparticles (NPs) have extensively used worldwide [1,2,3,4,5]. NPs are defined as materials with a size range of 1–100 nm. NP properties depend on physicochemical characteristics [6], and some are produced in large scales due to their unique properties [7]. The most common NPs for industrial use are based on silver particles, with around 300 different products [8]. The production and use of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) has significantly increased and will increase up to 63%
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