Pilot study on effects of nanoparticle exposure on Crassostrea virginica hemocyte phagocytosis

Little is known about engineered nanoparticles (NPs) exposures on oysters. As sessile filter feeders, oysters are likely to be exposed to NPs suspended in the water column with unknown effects of NP exposure on oyster functioning. Our study indicates that waterborne NPs alter oyster hemocyte phagocytosis dynamics, an indication of sub-lethal effects of NP exposures. Silver NPs, titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs, and silver nitrate exposures reduced phagocytosis compared to the control. Increasing TiO2 NPs and silver nitrate concentrations reduced phagocytosis. Silver NPs, up to 120 ppb, increased phagocytosis, but higher concentrations reduced phagocytosis.