Nanoecotoxicological Reports of Engineered Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on Algae

摘要

Use of nanotechnology-based products is growing at large scale globally; consequently, releasing nanoparticles are entering into aquatic ecosystems. The higher surface area versus volume ratio in comparison with bulk materials makes the nanoparticles biologically more reactive. Therefore, investigating the potential aquatic toxicity of nanoparticles has become an important issue. Algae are an ideal group to study responses of different engineered nanoparticles. Present review aims to analyse the nanoecotoxicological impact of engineered metal oxide nanoparticles on algal physiology. Impacts of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, silica oxides, cerium oxides, iron oxide, aluminium oxide and nickel oxide are covered in details. Different factors like size, shape, pH, dose, exposure time, photo-catalytic activity, etc. that affect the toxicity of nanoparticles to test organisms are discussed in this review. Further, a host of responses shown by algae like an increase in reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and a decrease in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency are highlighted. Future scope of research is also discussed in brief.