Plastic is one of the most used materials in the world, adopted in almost all activities of human life, but due to the high persistence and durability in the environment, it is causing pollution problems. Through different processes, small particles of polymers are emerging and the effects on the health are still unknown. The Danio rerio (zebrafish) is a model organism that serves as a reference for the assessment of the safety of Nanoplastics (NPs) and Microplastics (MPs). The effects on development, central nervous system, behavior and genetic regulation, are some of the evidences that are already available thanks to the studies developed in recent years. The potential exacerbation of toxicity by co-exposure of the NPs and MP with other contaminants has been demonstrated through several studies. Furthermore, the challenge that must be overcome is the lack of uniformity in the analytical methodology that helps to generate conclusive and parallel results.
Increases in the use and the progressive manufacture of new Engineered Nanomaterials (ENMs) lead to inquire about their impact on the environment. Due to the small size, high reactivity inside organisms and the unusual physicochemical properties of the ENMs, the predictions of toxicity are very complex. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been granted as a practical alternative to study the toxicity of ENMs. In this article the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, copper nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, cadmium nanoparticles and nano plastics were reviewed trough the most recent literature available. Every ENMs should be studied in depth independently, considering co-exposures, environmental matrices, the effects of variations in size and concentrations, the potential effects of prolonged exposure, the coverage of ENMs, specific organism and targeted organs. This information will help to identify deficiencies in research trends and reinforce the safest ways to use ENMs.
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