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Emerging investigator series: metal nanoparticles in freshwater: transformation, bioavailability and effects on invertebrates
Summary
This review and meta-analysis found that silver nanoparticles are toxic to freshwater invertebrates at environmentally relevant concentrations, with toxicity mediated by both dissolved silver ions and nano-specific effects. Environmental transformation processes like aggregation, dissolution, and surface coating alteration significantly modify nanoparticle bioavailability and toxicity. These findings parallel microplastic research, where particle size, surface chemistry, and environmental weathering similarly determine biological impact.
The increasing use of metal oxide-based nanoparticles (MNPs) and their release into the environment cast concerns about their environmental impacts. Massive efforts have been focused on environmental behaviours and ecotoxicities to figure out the potential threats posed by MNPs. This review systematically summarises and re-analyses published data about the MNP interactions and transformation processes in freshwater and the toxicological effects of MNPs on invertebrates. A case study was conducted through meta-analysis to examine the impacts of silver nanoparticle exposure to freshwater invertebrates. The conclusions categorized the current understanding of the outcome and ecotoxicity of MNPs in freshwater. The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) is recommended for environmental risk assessment as it provides a rapid and accurate risk assessment of an increasing number of novel compounds consuming fewer resources and animal tests. Invertebrates contribute significantly towards developing robust AOPs thanks to a shorter life cycle, allowing chronic and complete life cycle toxicity tests.
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