Work

Epipelagic community as prominent biosensor for sub-micron and nanoparticles uptake: Insights from field and laboratory experiments

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Nowadays, ENMs/NPLs particles have not yet been extensively measured in the environment, but there is increased concern that this size fraction may be more widely distributed and hazardous than larger-sized particles. This study aimed to examine the bioaccumulation potential of engineered nanomaterials and nanoplastics (ENMs/NPLs) across marine food webs, focusing on plankton communities and commercial fish species ( Engraulis encrasicolus and Scomber colias ) from the Gulf of Naples. Laboratory experiments on plankton assemblages exposed to fluorescent polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 100 nm) for 24h at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 mg/L confirmed nanoplastic uptake in phytoplankton and zooplankton, indicating a dose-dependent internalization in plankton communities. Notably, in natural samples no particles were detected in fish muscle or liver tissues, suggesting limited translocation. Unexpectedly, titanium oxide particles (<1 μm) were found in natural phytoplankton, highlighting the potential presence of other nanoparticles in marine systems. These findings suggest that, despite detection challenges, plankton communities are major biosensors of ENMs/NPs contamination and highlight the need for ongoing environmental monitoring to assess ecological impacts and potential risks of nanoparticle bioaccumulation in marine ecosystems. • Evaluation of the presence of ENMs/NPLs from plankton to commercial fishes. • In vivo exposure of phytoplankton and zooplankton assemblages to PS-NPs (100 nm). • A potential bioaccumulation pattern in concentration-dependent manner is described. • No particles were found in zooplankton and in the liver and edible part of fishes. • In phytoplankton natural communities were found titanium oxide particles (<1 μm).

Source: Environmental Pollution

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125566