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Title: Physiological and biochemical responses of two keystone polychaete species: Diopatra neapolitana and Hediste diversicolor to Multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Journal Article · · Environmental Research
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [1];  [4];  [1]
  1. Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 (Portugal)
  2. Center for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 (Portugal)
  3. Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, PI 56122 (Italy)
  4. Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126 (Italy)

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are one of the most important carbon Nanomaterials (NMs). The production and use of these carbon NMs is increasing rapidly and, therefore, the need to assess their presence in the environment and associated risks has become increasingly important. However, limited literature is available regarding the impacts induced in aquatic organisms by this pollutant, namely in invertebrate species. Diopatra neapolitana and Hediste diversicolor are keystone polychaete species inhabiting estuaries and shallow water bodies intertidal mudflats, frequently used to evaluate the impact of environmental disturbances in these systems. To our knowledge, no information is available on physiological and biochemical alterations on these two species due to MWCNTs exposure. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the toxic effects of different MWCNTs concentrations (0.01; 0.10 and 1.00 mg/L) in both species physiological (regenerative capacity and respiration rate) and biochemical (energy reserves, metabolic activities, oxidative stress related biomarkers and neurotoxicity markers) performance, after 28 days of exposure. The results obtained revealed that exposure to MWCNTs induced negative effects on the regenerative capacity of D. neapolitana. Additionally, higher MWCNTs concentrations induced increased respiration rates in D. neapolitana. MWCNTs altered energy-related responses, with higher values of electron transport system activity, glycogen and protein concentrations in both polychaetes exposed to this contaminant. Furthermore, when exposed to MWCNTs both species showed oxidative stress with higher lipid peroxidation, lower ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione, and higher activity of antioxidant (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and biotransformation (glutathione-S-transferases) enzymes in exposed organisms. - Highlights: • MWCNTs induced negative effects on the regenerative capacity of Diopatra neapolitana. • Diopatra neapolitana and Hediste diversicolor exposed to MWCNTs showed oxidative stress. • Both species under MWCNTs increased their metabolic capacity. • Inhibition of cholinesterases confirmed neurotoxicity of MWCNTs in both species. • D. neapolitana and H. diversicolor are potential bioindicators to monitor carbon NMs pollution.

OSTI ID:
22689540
Journal Information:
Environmental Research, Vol. 154; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0013-9351
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English