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Chronic sublethal effects of ZnO nanoparticles on Tigriopus fulvus (Copepoda, Harpacticoida)

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Abstract

This study investigated for the first time the effects of ZnO nanoparticle (NP) chronic exposure (28 days) on Tigriopus fulvus. Acute toxicity (48 h) of three Zn chemical forms was assessed as well including the following: (a) ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), (b) Zn2+ from ZnO NP suspension after centrifugation (supernatant) and (c) ZnSO4 H2O. Physical-chemical and electronic microscopies were used to characterize spiked exposure media. Results showed that the dissolution of ZnO NPs was significant, with a complete dissolution at lowest test concentrations, but nano- and micro-aggregates were always present. Acute test evidenced a significant higher toxicity of Zn2+ and ZnSO4 compared to ZnO NPs. The chronic exposure to ZnO NPs caused negative effects on the reproductive traits, i.e. brood duration, brood size and brood number at much lower concentrations (≥ 100 μg/L). The appearance of ovigerous females was delayed at higher concentrations of ZnO NPs, while the time required for offspring release and the percentage of non-viable eggs per female were significantly increased. ZnO NP subchronic exposure evidenced its ability to reduce T. fulvus individual reproductive fitness, suggesting that ZnO NPs use and release must be carefully monitored.

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Correspondence to Ermelinda Prato or Giovanni Libralato.

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Responsible Editor: Cinta Porte

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Highlights

• Acute LC50s: ZnO NPs < Zn2+~ZnSO4.

• Sublethal ZnO NPs caused a delay appearance of ovigerous females.

• Chronic exposure reduced nauplii per brood

• Sublethal concentration of ZnO NPs could affect the population by reducing individual reproductive fitness.

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Prato, E., Parlapiano, I., Biandolino, F. et al. Chronic sublethal effects of ZnO nanoparticles on Tigriopus fulvus (Copepoda, Harpacticoida). Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 30957–30968 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-07006-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-07006-9

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