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Projeto de investigação
Engineered Metal Nanoparticles ENPs and their effects on marine biota – a multidisciplinary approach using the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as an ecotoxicity bioindicator
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Engineered metal nanoparticles in the marine environment: A review of the effects on marine fauna
Publication . Roma, Joana; Matos, Ana Rita; Vinagre, Catarina; Duarte, Bernardo
There is an increasing awareness of how damaging pollutants in the marine environment can be, however information on the effects of metal engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on marine biota is still insufficient, despite an exponential rising in related publications in recent years. In order to provide an integrated insight on the present state of the art on metal ENP-related ecotoxicology studies on marine fauna, this review aimed to: (i) highlight the means of toxicity of metal ENPs in the marine environment, (ii) identify the principal biotic and abiotic factors that may alter metal ENP toxicity, and (iii) analyse and categorize results of these studies, including accumulation, molecular and histological biomarkers, genotoxicity and behavioural changes. Data retrieved from Scopus yielded 134 studies that met pre-established criteria. Most often, the target ENPs were titanium, zinc, copper or silver, and most studies (61.2%) focused on the phylum Mollusca. The degree of toxicity of metal ENPs was often dependent on the concentrations tested, length of exposure and the type of tissue sampled. Effects from simple tissue accumulation to DNA damage or behavioural alterations were identified, even when concentrations below environmentally available levels were used. It is proposed that other phyla besides the traditional Mollusca (and within it Bivalvia) should be used more often in this kind of studies, that exact pathways of toxicity be further explored, and lastly that co-stressors be used in order to best mimic conditions observed in nature. In this review, the current knowledge on engineered metal nanoparticles and their effects on marine fauna was summarized, highlighting present knowledge gaps. Guidelines for future studies focusing on under-developed subjects in ENP toxicology are also briefly provided.
Comparative responses and effects of exposure to metallic and nanoparticle zinc in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Publication . Roma, Joana; Missionário, Madalena; Madeira, Carolina; Matos, Ana Rita; Vinagre, Catarina; Costa, Pedro M.; Duarte, Bernardo
Zinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in various industrial and commercial applications. Their intensive use in sunscreens, for instance, renders priority to understanding their effects on marine life, to which may be added the intensive use of Zn-based paints and anodes to protect submerged structures. We studied the effects of Zn nanoparticles and ions in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to 1, 10 and 100 μg/L of both zinc forms for up to 28 days. Effects were determined by analysing a battery of biomarkers, from oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity) to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The results revealed that mussels responded only marginally differently to ionic and Zn nanoparticles, but also that their response was concentration- and time-dependent, suggesting distinct metabolic modes of action. These variations occurred almost exclusively at the highest concentration tested and were more pronounced as the exposure period increased. An integrated biomarker index (IBR) approach was used encompassing also previous findings (lipid peroxidation and metal accumulation in tissue), which further confirmed that these filter-feeding organisms are considerable targets for zinc exposure in the two forms tested and should be included in studies evaluating the overall toxicological impact of various forms of Zn in the marine environment.
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Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
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SFRH/BD/138318/2018