Particle Size and Agglomeration Affect the Toxicity Levels of Silver Nanoparticle Types in Aquatic Environment

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In order to understand the importance of particle size and agglomeration for nano-eco-toxicological studies in aquatic environments, the acute toxicity of two different types (suspended powder and colloidal) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were studied in alevin and juvenilerainbow trout. Fish were exposed to each type of AgNPs at nominal concentrations of 0.032, 0.1, 0.32, 1, 3.2, 10, 32, and 100 mg/L. Lethal concentrations (LC) were calculated using a Probit analysis. Some physical and chemical characteristics of silver nanoparticles were determined. In the case of colloidal form, particles were well dispersed in the water column and retained their size; but in the case of suspended powder, particles were agglomerated to large clumps and precipitated on the bottom. In alevins, the calculated 96 h LC50 values were 0.25 and 28.25mg/L for colloidal and suspended powder AgNPs respectively. In the case of juveniles, the 96h LC50 of colloidal form was 2.16mg/L, but suspended powder did not caused mortality in fish even after 21 days. The results showed that both in alevin and juvenile stages, colloidal form is much toxic than suspended powder; this shows increase of nanoparticles size due to agglomeration, will reduce the toxicity. Silver nanoparticles are toxic materials and their release into the water environment should be avoided.