Determination of Oxidative Stress Responses Caused by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle on Gammarus Pulex

Abstract

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) are inevitably released into the environment and penetrate into the aquatic environment during production, transportation, use and disposal processes. In this study, which aims to investigate the effect of ZnO mixed into the aquatic environment, Gammarus pulex, a good indicator species, was chosen as a model organism. To carry out the study, G.pulex individuals were exposed to 0 (control), 10, 20 and 40 ppm concentrations for 24 and 96 hours and elimination periods. Samples were taken at 24 and 96 hours and elimination periods and kept at -86 °C until oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarker parameter analyzes were performed. Model organisms were taken from the experimental environment after 96 hours and kept in the water provided from the living areas for 24 hours, elimination groups were created and changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarker parameters were determined. Among the biomarker parameters, SOD, catalase (CAT) activities and glutathione (GSH) and Thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) levels were measured. Measurements were carried out with CAYMAN brand ELISA kits. Considering the study data, it was determined that ZnO-NP caused fluctuations in SOD activities, but there was no change in CAT activity, compared to the control. While there were decreases in GSH levels, it was observed that there were increases in TBARS levels.