Review on aquatic toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Metal oxide nanoparticles are some of the most widely used nanomaterials in the agriculture, consumer products, and energy sectors. Their increased requirements and wide applications can necessarily cause harm to ecosystems and organisms. So, it is vital to understand the main toxicity before they caused harmful effects on the human health. The unique characteristics of nanoengineered materials include carbon fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, metal oxide nanoparticles and quantum dots, among many others have led to the capacity for various toxicities in comparison to the materials in bulk. This review mainly metal oxide nanoparticle can exert adverse effects on humans and aquatic organisms; however, their toxic mechanisms are still unclear. With the well-known consequences of inhaled fine particulate matter, inhalational toxicity is to be expected. Nanotoxicology exhibits a booming research area and aims in finding out their societal or an environmental threat. Ecological factors along with the innatequalities affect nanoparticles (NPs) fate, behavioural and transport, and eventually leading to toxicity. This review examines the research performed in the last two decade to show how metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are influencing the aquatic environment. We addressed here, the physico-chemical characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs), characterization, exposure routes in the aquatic ecosystem. This review summarizes the current understanding and the future possibilities of challenges and advances in nanotoxicology research.