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Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions...
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Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions to Possible Impacts at Population and Community Level

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 23015

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Laura Canesi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Interests: environmental physiology; marine environment; stress responses bivalves; immunity; nanomaterials; contaminants of emerging concern; nanosafety
Dr. Ilaria Corsi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Earth and Environmental Sciences, Universita degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
Interests: ecological risk assessment; nanoecotoxicology; pollution monitoring and assessment; biomarkers; biondicators; effect-based tools; adverse outcome pathways; nanomaterials; nanoplastics; contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoplastics, derived from both products containing nanoscale plastics (<1µm) and from aging/fragmentation of larger plastic debris, are present in different environmental compartments, and in particular in aquatic ecosystems. During various stages of their life cycle, nanoplastics may reach concentrations that are able to exceed toxicity thresholds for living species. Increasing evidence indicates how particle size, surface charge, and bio-nano-interactions occurring in both environmental and biological media can result in the formation of protein-coronas (i.e., eco- and bio-coronas). These can in turn affect nanoplastic interactions, uptake, and effects on aquatic biota. This Special Issue is aimed at gathering contributions on advances on the biological effects of nanoplastics in different organisms. Special emphasis will be given to effects investigated at different levels of biological organization, from molecular interactions to uptake and effects at single cell and tissue level, in order to identify possible targets and mechanisms of action that can lead to alterations of key biological processes in individuals, with possible consequences at the higher level of biological organization. Standardized methods such as those in silico and in vitro and read-across approaches will be also covered. Methods for extrapolating results up to population and community effects are welcome. This information will contribute to environmental risk assessment of nanoplastics.

Prof. Laura Canesi
Dr. Ilaria Corsi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Nanoplastics
  • Aquatic organisms
  • Bio-nano-interactions
  • Biomarkers
  • Mechanisms of action
  • Environmental impact assessment

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2333 KiB  
Article
Ecotoxicity of Heteroaggregates of Polystyrene Nanospheres in Chironomidae and Amphibian
by Florence Mouchet, Laura Rowenczyk, Antoine Minet, Fanny Clergeaud, Jérôme Silvestre, Eric Pinelli, Jessica Ferriol, Joséphine Leflaive, Loïc Ten-Hage, Julien Gigault, Alexandra Ter Halle and Laury Gauthier
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2730; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12152730 - 8 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2228
Abstract
Due to their various properties as polymeric materials, plastics have been produced, used and ultimately discharged into the environment. Although some studies have shown their negative impacts on the marine environment, the effects of plastics on freshwater organisms are still poorly studied, while [...] Read more.
Due to their various properties as polymeric materials, plastics have been produced, used and ultimately discharged into the environment. Although some studies have shown their negative impacts on the marine environment, the effects of plastics on freshwater organisms are still poorly studied, while they could be widely in contact with this pollution. The current work aimed to better elucidate the impact and the toxicity mechanisms of two kinds of commercial functionalized nanoplastics, i.e., carboxylated polystyrene microspheres of, respectively, 350 and 50 nm (PS350 and PS50), and heteroaggregated PS50 with humic acid with an apparent size of 350 nm (PSHA), all used at environmental concentrations (0.1 to 100 µg L−1). For this purpose, two relevant biological and aquatic models—amphibian larvae, Xenopus laevis, and dipters, Chironomus riparius—were used under normalized exposure conditions. The acute, chronic, and genetic toxicity parameters were examined and discussed with regard to the fundamental characterization in media exposures and, especially, the aggregation state of the nanoplastics. The size of PS350 and PSHA remained similar in the Xenopus and Chironomus exposure media. Inversely, PS50 aggregated in both exposition media and finally appeared to be micrometric during the exposition tests. Interestingly, this work highlighted that PS350 has no significant effect on the tested species, while PS50 is the most prone to alter the growth of Xenopus but not of Chironomus. Finally, PSHA induced a significant genotoxicity in Xenopus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions to Possible Impacts at Population and Community Level)
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23 pages, 2779 KiB  
Article
Screening of the Toxicity of Polystyrene Nano- and Microplastics Alone and in Combination with Benzo(a)pyrene in Brine Shrimp Larvae and Zebrafish Embryos
by Ignacio Martínez-Álvarez, Karyn Le Menach, Marie-Hélène Devier, Miren P. Cajaraville, Hélène Budzinski and Amaia Orbea
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(6), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12060941 - 12 Mar 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4444
Abstract
The occurrence of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems and their capacity to sorb hydrophobic pollutants is nowadays an issue of great concern. This study aimed to assess the potential bioavailability and acute toxicity of polystyrene (PS) NPs (50 and 500 [...] Read more.
The occurrence of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems and their capacity to sorb hydrophobic pollutants is nowadays an issue of great concern. This study aimed to assess the potential bioavailability and acute toxicity of polystyrene (PS) NPs (50 and 500 nm) and of MPs (4.5 µm), alone and with sorbed benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), in the embryo/larval stages of brine shrimps and zebrafish. Exposure to pristine plastics up to 50.1 mg PS/L did not cause significant impact on brine shrimp survival, while some treatments of plastics-B(a)P and all concentrations of B(a)P (0.1–10 mg/L) resulted acutely toxic. In zebrafish, only the highest concentrations of MPs-B(a)P and B(a)P caused a significant increase of malformation prevalence. Ingestion of NPs was observed by 24–48 h of exposure in the two organisms (from 0.069 to 6.87 mg PS/L). In brine shrimps, NPs were observed over the body surface and within the digestive tract, associated with feces. In zebrafish, NPs were localized in the eyes, yolk sac, and tail at 72 h, showing their capacity to translocate and spread into the embryo. MP ingestion was only demonstrated for brine shrimps. In zebrafish embryos exposed to plastics-B(a)P, B(a)P appeared in the yolk sac of the embryos. The presence of B(a)P was also noticeable in brine shrimps exposed to 500 nm NPs-B(a)P. In conclusion, NPs entered and spread into the zebrafish embryo and PS NPs, and MPs were successful vectors of B(a)P to brine shrimp and zebrafish embryos. Particle size played a significant role in explaining the toxicity of plastics–B(a)P. Our study provides support for the idea that plastics may pose a risk to aquatic organisms when combined with persistent organic pollutants such as B(a)P. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions to Possible Impacts at Population and Community Level)
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15 pages, 2793 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Different Commercial Nanopolystyrenes: Behavior in Exposure Media, Effects on Immune Function and Early Larval Development in the Model Bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis
by Manon Auguste, Teresa Balbi, Angelica Miglioli, Stefano Alberti, Sonja Prandi, Riccardo Narizzano, Annalisa Salis, Gianluca Damonte and Laura Canesi
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3291; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123291 - 4 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2272
Abstract
In the absence of standard methods for the detection/quantification of nanoplastics (NPs) in environmental samples, commercial nanopolymers are utilized as proxies for toxicity testing and environmental risk assessment. In marine species, a considerable amount of data are now available on the effects of [...] Read more.
In the absence of standard methods for the detection/quantification of nanoplastics (NPs) in environmental samples, commercial nanopolymers are utilized as proxies for toxicity testing and environmental risk assessment. In marine species, a considerable amount of data are now available on the effects of nanopolystyrene (PS-NPs) of different size/surface characteristics. In this work, amino modified PS-NPs (PS-NH2) (50 and 100 nm), purchased from two different companies, were compared in terms of behavior in exposure media and of biological responses, from molecular to organism level, in the model marine bivalve Mytilus. Different PS-NH2 showed distinct agglomeration and surface charge in artificial sea water (ASW) and hemolymph serum (HS). Differences in behavior were largely reflected by the effects on immune function in vitro and in vivo and on early larval development. Stronger effects were generally observed with PS-NH2 of smaller size, showing less agglomeration and higher positive charge in exposure media. Specific molecular interactions with HS components were investigated by the isolation and characterization of the NP-corona proteins. Data obtained in larvae demonstrate interference with the molecular mechanisms of shell biogenesis. Overall, different PS-NH2 can affect the key physiological functions of mussels at environmental concentrations (10 µg/L). However, detailed information on the commercial NPs utilized is required to compare their biological effects among laboratory experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions to Possible Impacts at Population and Community Level)
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20 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Molecular Impacts of Dietary Exposure to Nanoplastics Combined or Not with Arsenic in the Caribbean Mangrove Oysters (Isognomon alatus)
by Marc Lebordais, Zélie Venel, Julien Gigault, Valerie S. Langlois and Magalie Baudrimont
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051151 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4806
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are anthropogenic contaminants that raise concern, as they cross biological barriers. Metals’ adsorption on NPs’ surface also carries ecotoxicological risks to aquatic organisms. This study focuses on the impacts of three distinct NPs on the Caribbean oyster Isognomon alatus through dietary [...] Read more.
Nanoplastics (NPs) are anthropogenic contaminants that raise concern, as they cross biological barriers. Metals’ adsorption on NPs’ surface also carries ecotoxicological risks to aquatic organisms. This study focuses on the impacts of three distinct NPs on the Caribbean oyster Isognomon alatus through dietary exposure. As such, marine microalgae Tisochrysis lutea were exposed to environmentally weathered mixed NPs from Guadeloupe (NPG), crushed pristine polystyrene nanoparticles (PSC), and carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles of latex (PSL). Oysters were fed with NP-T. lutea at 10 and 100 µg L−1, concentrations considered environmentally relevant, combined or not with 1 mg L−1 pentoxide arsenic (As) in water. We investigated key gene expression in I. alatus’ gills and visceral mass. NP treatments revealed significant induction of cat and sod1 in gills and gapdh and sod1 in visceral mass. As treatment significantly induced sod1 expression in gills, but once combined with any of the NPs at both concentrations, basal mRNA levels were observed. Similarly, PSL treatment at 100 µg L−1 that significantly induced cat expression in gills or sod1 in visceral mass showed repressed mRNA levels when combined with As (reduction of 2222% and 34%, respectively, compared to the control). This study suggested a protective effect of the interaction between NPs and As, possibly by decreasing both contaminants’ surface reactivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions to Possible Impacts at Population and Community Level)
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17 pages, 2486 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Assessment of the Chronic Effects of Micro- and Nano-Plastics on the Physiology of the Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
by Marco Capolupo, Paola Valbonesi and Elena Fabbri
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030649 - 7 Mar 2021
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 4243
Abstract
The ocean contamination caused by micro- and nano-sized plastics is a matter of increasing concern regarding their potential effects on marine organisms. This study compared the effects of a 21-day exposure to 1.5, 15, and 150 ng/L of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP, 3-µm) and [...] Read more.
The ocean contamination caused by micro- and nano-sized plastics is a matter of increasing concern regarding their potential effects on marine organisms. This study compared the effects of a 21-day exposure to 1.5, 15, and 150 ng/L of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP, 3-µm) and nanoplastics (PS-NP, 50-nm) on a suite of biomarkers measured in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Endpoints encompassed immunological/lysosomal responses, oxidative stress/detoxification parameters, and neurotoxicological markers. Compared to PS-MP, PS-NP induced higher effects on lysosomal parameters of general stress. Exposures to both particle sizes increased lipid peroxidation and catalase activity in gills; PS-NP elicited greater effects on the phase-II metabolism enzyme glutathione S-transferase and on lysozyme activity, while only PS-MP inhibited the hemocyte phagocytosis, suggesting a major role of PS particle size in modulating immunological/detoxification pathways. A decreased acetylcholinesterase activity was induced by PS-NP, indicating their potential to impair neurological functions in mussels. Biomarker data integration in the Mussel Expert System identified an overall greater health status alteration in mussels exposed to PS-NP compared to PS-MP. This study shows that increasing concentrations of nanoplastics may induce higher effects than microplastics on the mussel’s lysosomal, metabolic, and neurological functions, eventually resulting in a greater impact on their overall fitness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions to Possible Impacts at Population and Community Level)
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15 pages, 1502 KiB  
Article
Heteroaggregates of Polystyrene Nanospheres and Organic Matter: Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Their Toxicity to Algae in Environmentally Relevant Conditions
by Laura Rowenczyk, Joséphine Leflaive, Fanny Clergeaud, Antoine Minet, Jessica Ferriol, Laury Gauthier, Julien Gigault, Florence Mouchet, David Ory, Eric Pinelli, Magali Albignac, Clément Roux, Anne Françoise Mingotaud, Jérôme Silvestre, Loïc Ten-Hage and Alexandra ter Halle
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11020482 - 13 Feb 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3284
Abstract
The environmental fate and behavior of nanoplastics (NPs) and their toxicity against aquatic organisms are under current investigation. In this work, relevant physicochemical characterizations were provided to analyze the ecotoxicological risk of NPs in the aquatic compartment. For this purpose, heteroaggregates of 50 [...] Read more.
The environmental fate and behavior of nanoplastics (NPs) and their toxicity against aquatic organisms are under current investigation. In this work, relevant physicochemical characterizations were provided to analyze the ecotoxicological risk of NPs in the aquatic compartment. For this purpose, heteroaggregates of 50 nm polystyrene nanospheres and natural organic matter were prepared and characterized. The kinetic of aggregation was assimilated to a reaction-limited colloid aggregation mode and led to the formation of heteroaggregates in the range of 100–500 nm. Toxicities of these heteroaggregates and polystyrene nanospheres (50 and 350 nm) were assessed for a large range of concentrations using four benthic and one planktonic algal species, in regards to particle states in the media. Heteroaggregates and nanospheres were shown to be stable in the exposure media during the ecotoxity tests. The algal species exhibited very low sensitivity (growth and photosynthetic activity), with the noteworthy exception of the planktonic alga, whose growth increased by more than 150% with the heteroaggregates at 1 µg L−1. Despite the lack of a strong direct effect of the NPs, they may still impair the functioning of aquatic ecosystems by destabilizing the competitive interactions between species. Moreover, further work should assess the toxicity of NPs associated with other substances (adsorbed pollutants or additives) that could enhance the NP effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Do Nanoplastics Represent a Risk for Aquatic Organisms? From Bio-Nano-Interactions to Possible Impacts at Population and Community Level)
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