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Single and Combined Toxicity Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Uptake and Accumulation in Marine Microalgae, Toxicity Mechanisms, and Their Fate in the Marine Environment
Summary
This review examined the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles to marine microalgae, which form the base of the aquatic food chain. Researchers found that toxicity mechanisms include the release of zinc ions, direct interaction with algae cells, and generation of reactive oxygen species, and the study highlights the need for more research on combined pollutant exposures that better reflect real-world conditions.
Recently, there has been rapid growth in the production of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) due to their applications in household and cosmetic products. Over the last decade, considerable research was conducted to reveal the effect of ZnO-NPs on microalgae, which form the base of the aquatic food chain. This review discusses the fate and behavior of ZnO-NPs in the marine environment. Predominately, the toxicity mechanism of ZnO-NPs on marine microalgae could be attributed to three sources: the release of Zn2+ ions; the interaction between ZnO-NPs and algae cells; and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Most toxicity studies were carried out using single ZnO-NPs under conditions not often observed in natural ecosystems; however, organisms including microalgae are more likely exposed to ZnO-NPs mixed with other types of pollutants. This review highlights the importance of increasing the assessment studies of combined pollutants. Lastly, knowledge, research, gaps, and opportunities for further research in this field are presented.
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