Assessment of the Toxic Effect of Zinc Ions and Nano-Sized Zinc Oxide on the Early Development of the Sand Dollar Scaphechinus mirabilis (Agassiz, 1864) (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce DNA Damage in Sand Dollar Scaphechinus mirabilis Sperm

“…In the literature, there are sufficiently convincing data demonstrating the effect of ZnO NPs on various functional aspects of marine organisms [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. A number of studies have revealed a higher toxicity of ZnO NPs, not only in relation to those that are identical in size to particles of oxides of other metals [ 23 , 24 ], but also in comparison with zinc ions [ 20 , 25 ]. Of increased concern to ecotoxicologists is the ability of ZnO NPs to induce genome damage, manifested in impaired gene expression in mussels [ 26 ], and in chromosomal aberrations and morphological changes in the gametes and embryos of sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus [ 20 , 27 ].…”

“…Of increased concern to ecotoxicologists is the ability of ZnO NPs to induce genome damage, manifested in impaired gene expression in mussels [ 26 ], and in chromosomal aberrations and morphological changes in the gametes and embryos of sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus [ 20 , 27 ]. In addition, in the example of the sea urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis , the exposure of adults to ZnO NPs has been shown to affect the reproductive system, causing DNA damage in gametes and abnormalities in larval development [ 25 , 28 ].…”