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Nanoparticles usage are now emerging as hazardous nanopollutants due to inappropriate usage and improper disposal. Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) is a widely used nanoparticle with various applications. In this study, SPIONs was evaluated for its impact against Vigna radiata and Eudrilus eugeniae. SPIONs were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method in presence of cobalt chloride. The produced SPIONs was characterized using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), EDX (Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), TEM (Transmission electron microscopy), AFM (Atomic force microscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and Zeta potential. The synthesized SPIONs were crystalline and monodispersed with size ranging between 15 nm and 20 nm. The seedlings of SPIONs treated Vigna radiata were found to have reduced root and shoot growth. The bioaccumulation of iron oxide in the treated plants was confirmed by ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma -optical emission spectrometry) analysis and Prussian blue staining. Cellular destruction and reduced reproduction rate were found in SPIONs exposed Eudrilus eugeniae and ICP-OES analysis of earthworm samples affirmed the bioaccumulation of SPIONs.

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Extracellular polymeric substances are present abundantly in the surroundings which are produced by different types of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, algae are also produced by different varieties of plant species. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are high-molecular-weight polysaccharides secreted by microorganisms into the surrounding environment. These polysaccharides have tremendous application in pharmaceutical industries. For the past two decades, exopolysaccharides of fungus have been known to have high-value biomacromolecules. In most of the studies, sugar compositions of fungus Exopolysaccharaide and variation in molecular weight depend upon culture medium composition and different physical conditions that take place during the process of fermentation. In this current study, the selection of nutrients for the EPS production from Curvularia lunata under submerged batch-culture conditions was made using the Plackett - Burman design matrix method. Subsequently, the optimal condition was determined using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Thus, produced EPS was characterized by GC-MS and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found to have glucose and mannitol and also showed good thermal stability. EPS was subjected to DPPH assay for analyzing antioxidant activity. Free radical scavenging activity was observed by subjecting the sample to the ABTS method and anticancer activities were tested against HeLa cells. EPS was found to be having a good antioxidant activity, Free radical scavenging activity and showed effective anticancer activity against HeLa cells.