Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have unique physicochemistry and potential to interact with other substances in the aqueous phase. Here, gene [metallothionein 2 (mt2)] expression changes in larval zebrafish were used to evaluate the association between aqueous Hg2+ and TiO2 (NPs and bulk particle size control) to investigate the relationship between changes in Hg2+ behavior and TiO2 size. During 24 h exposures, TiO2 agglomerates increased in size and in the presence of 25 μg Hg2+/L, greater increases in size were observed. The concentration of Hg2+ in suspension also decreased in the presence of TiO2-NPs. Mercury increased expression of mt2 in larval zebrafish, but this response was lessened when zebrafish were exposed to Hg2+ in the presence of TiO2-NPs, and which suggests that TiO2-NPs alter the bioavailability of Hg2+ to zebrafish larvae. This ameliorative effect of TiO2 was also likely due to surface binding of Hg2+ because a greater decrease in mt2 expression was observed in the presence of 1 mg/L TiO2-NPs than 1 mg/L TiO2-bulk. In conclusion, the results show that Hg2+ will associate with TiO2-NPs, TiO2-NPs that have associated Hg2+ will settle out of the aqueous phase more rapidly, and agglomerates will deliver associated Hg2+ to sediment surfaces.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 242–246 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Aquatic Toxicology |
Volume | 174 |
Early online date | 24 Feb 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2016 |