The Potential Intrinsic and Extrinsic Toxicity of Silica Nanoparticles and Its Impact on Marine Organisms

Abstract

The intrinsic and extrinsic toxicity of SiO 2 nanoparticles (Aerosil OX50, φ ∼ 40 nm) are investigated with a comparison to the particles in micron size (SiO 2 gel, φ ∼ 1.5 µ m). Nanoparticles potentially functioned as a carrier of harmful substances transfer was assessed by examining the surface adsorption behavior of the nanoparticles towards γ-picoline (4-methylpyridine), recognized as one type of the marine pollutants, as well as the penetration behavior of the nanoparticles towards a typical marine macro-organism (Caulerpa taxifolia). Silica nanoparticle surface can take up to 2.6 molecules/nm 2 of γ-picoline in an aqueous solution comparable to the marine environment. These nanoparticles can further travel onto the surface and into the bulk of the algae (Caulerpa taxifolia) with a depth of ∼ 1 µm while carrying toxic γ-picoline. The integrated intrinsic and extrinsic toxicity of SiO 2 nanoparticles has a significant effect on the growth of the algae. The large surface area of the silica nanoparticles results in a high adsorption capability and allows the particles to participate in possible toxic carrier activities in water medium towards marine organisms.

Novel and Environmentally Friendly Oil Spill Dispersant Based on the Synergy of Biopolymer Xanthan Gum and Silica Nanoparticles

“…56 Zhang et al found that the large surface area of silica nanoparticles results in a high adsorption capability and allows the particles to participate in possible toxic carrier activities toward marine organisms. 57 Therefore, the use of a small amount of nanoparticles in this study would greatly reduce their potential adverse environmental impacts.…”

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“…This may increase the toxicity to marine organisms that feed on plankton in the littoral and limnetic zones. 66,67 Furthermore, Monikh et al suggest the utilization of detailed experimental protocols as per OECD TG No. 318 along with kinetic parameters for better assessment of the potential toxicity of engineered nanomaterials released in the environment.…”

Assessment of SnO2 nanoparticles' impact on the growth of Picochlorum maculatum algae

“…12,16,17 Indeed, the fate and behavior of nanoparticles in the aquatic environment are not absolute and are affected by several parameters such as the presence of organic matter, concentration, the nanoparticle distribution, agglomeration size/de-agglomeration and solubility, etc., 13,18 Zhang et al examined the interaction between SiO 2 nanoparticles and γ-picoline. 19 They identified high adsorption properties of SiO 2 nanoparticles that made them toxic carriers for γ-picoline. Thus, the impact of nanoparticles on ecosystems as well as interactions across ecosystem boundaries merits special attention.…”

“…, 13,18 Zhang et al examined the interaction between SiO 2 nanoparticles and γ-picoline. 19 They identified high adsorption properties of SiO 2 nanoparticles that made them toxic carriers for γ-picoline. Thus, the impact of nanoparticles on ecosystems as well as interactions across ecosystem boundaries merits special attention.…”