Abstract
The massive production and use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have led to their increasing release into the environment. Even though the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of native nanoparticles have been well studied, the environmental impacts of transformation products such as silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag2S NPs) have not been elucidated.
In the present study, we assessed the toxicity of Ag2S NPs and silver nitrate (AgNO3), as a source of Ag, to the earthworm Eisenia andrei using a nominal concentration of 5 mg Ag kg(-1) soil. We used the OECD guidelines to assess effects on weight loss and mortality for 14 days.
After exposure, we also extracted the immune effector cells (coelomocytes) and conducted a battery of biomarker tests. To ensure the quality of the toxicological results, the structural changes of NPs during the experiment and the uptake of silver by the earthworms were monitored.
During the experiment, mortality effects were not detected, but a weight loss was observed in the earthworms exposed to Ag2S NPs. Altough Ag2S NPs were engulfed by E. andrei cells, neither phenoloxidase activity nor lipid peroxidation differed from the untreated control group.
Cells from earthworms treated with Ag2S NPs exerted very broad value range of nitric oxide (NO) generation, suggesting an imbalance in the NO metabolism. Overall, this study suggests minimal risks associated with Ag2S NPs exposure to earthworms.
However, further studies are needed to assure no immunotoxicological or chronic effects on a wider range of terrestrial organisms.