Abstract
Background: The application of nano-particles (NPs) in various industries is growing. Since their toxicity is not clearly understood, they can cause adverse effects on the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effects of iron oxide nano-particles on the small intestine of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Methods: Four experimental treatments were designed (15 fish/treatment). Treatment 1 was the controls while Treatments 2, 3 and 4 were experimental. The experimental groups were exposed to 50, 75 and the 100 mg/L of iron oxide NPs, respectively. On days 14, 21 and 28, the fish were randomly picked from each tank, samples of the small intestine were dissected, and were examined for both the accumulation of the iron NPs and the tissue histopathologies. Results: The highest concentration of iron accumulation was detected for Treatment 3 on day 21, compared to all other treatment groups (p<0.05). However, iron accumulation in the tissue declined unexpectedly after day 21 despite the continued treatments at 100 mg/L of the iron NPs. The histopathological examinations revealed that the treatment beyond 21 days caused damages to the intestinal epithelial cells, including enterocytes, villi and the goblet cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the effect of iron oxide NPs on the small intestinal tissue was dependant on the dose and duration of exposure. We conclude that the iron accumulation in the small intestine declined despite increasing the iron oxide NPs concentration and the exposure duration secondary to damages caused to the intestinal epithelial cell layer.
Highlights
Nanotechnology is the study of particles sized between 1 to 100 nanometers, the production and application of which are growing rapidly worldwide [1]
The histopathological examinations revealed that the treatment beyond 21 days caused damages to the intestinal epithelial cells, including enterocytes, villi and the goblet cells
This study demonstrated that the effect of iron oxide NPs on the small intestinal tissue was dependant on the dose and duration of exposure
Summary
Nanotechnology is the study of particles sized between 1 to 100 nanometers, the production and application of which are growing rapidly worldwide [1]. Metal NPs are often made of one metal, metal oxides or a combination of different metals [2, 3]. Increasing production of nano-particles and its application in different industries have caused potential risks in the environment, in aquatic ecosystems where deposition and accumulation of the nano-particles occur [3]. Characteristics of NPs are different and some recent studies suggest that they may have negative effects on the aquatic environment [5]. The application of nano-particles (NPs) in various industries is growing. Since their toxicity is not clearly understood, they can cause adverse effects on the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effects of iron oxide nano-particles on the small intestine of common carp, Cyprinus carpio
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