Toxicity effects of mercury and silver nanoparticles on common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of mercury (Hg) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on histopathologic damage, mercury accumulation, and behavior pattern of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). In this regard, the fish were divided into six groups of Hg (one concentration), AgNPs (two concentrations), and Hg + AgNPs mixture (two concentrations) and one control group. Histopathological anomalies of various tissues of common carp was investigated using hematoxylin-eosin method. In this study, some histopathological changes in the intestine of carp such as degeneration, hemorrhage, increase in the number of goblet cells, and necrosis in the chemicals tested during different periods are observed. Moreover, results showed that the mercury uptake in tissues of common carp was increased in the presence of silver nanoparticles, so that the highest uptake of mercury in tissues was in gill tissues. In conclusion, the results indicated that the silver nanoparticles enhanced the toxicity and uptake of mercury in tissues of carp.