A Comprehensive Ecotoxicity Study of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets versus Bulk form in Soil Organisms

Abstract

The increasing use of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles (NPs) raises concerns regarding their accumulation in soil ecosystems, with limited studies on their impact on soil organisms. Study aim: To unravel the effects of MoS2 nanosheets (two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 NPs) and bulk MoS2 (156, 313, 625, 1250, 2500 mg/kg) on Enchytraeus crypticus and Folsomia candida. The organisms’ survival and avoidance behavior remained unaffected by both forms, while reproduction and DNA integrity were impacted. For E. crypticus, the individual endpoint reproduction was more sensitive, increasing at lower concentrations of bulk MoS2 and decreasing at higher ones and at 625 mg/kg of 2D MoS2 NPs. For F. candida, the molecular endpoint DNA integrity was more impacted: 2500 mg/kg of bulk MoS2 induced DNA damage after 2 days, with all concentrations inducing damage by day 7. 2D MoS2 NPs induced DNA damage at 156 and 2500 mg/kg after 2 days, and at 1250 and 2500 mg/kg after 7 days. Despite affecting the same endpoints, bulk MoS2 induced more effects than 2D MoS2 NPs. Indeed, 2D MoS2 NPs only inhibited E. crypticus reproduction at 625 mg/kg and induced fewer (F. candida) or no effects (E. crypticus) on DNA integrity. This study highlights the different responses of terrestrial organisms to 2D MoS2 NPs versus bulk MoS2, reinforcing the importance of risk assessment when considering both forms.

Nano-Food Farming Approaches to Mitigate Heat Stress under Ongoing Climate Change: A Review

“…It is crucial that we be judicial in the use of NMs in farming practices to avoid problems from nanotoxicity [217]. Recent studies on the risks posed by nanotoxicity include nanotoxicity in agri-foods [178,217,218], nano-food packaging [219], nano-agrochemical applications [220,221], disruption of soil ecosystems [222], deterioration of human/animal health [223,224], and phytotoxicity [225,226].…”

“…Agriculture 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 26 posed by nanotoxicity include nanotoxicity in agri-foods [178,217,218], nano-food packaging [219], nano-agrochemical applications [220,221], disruption of soil ecosystems [222], deterioration of human/animal health [223,224], and phytotoxicity [225,226]. Engineered nanomaterials have several benefits for crop growth and/or human health when they are applied in the right dose and form, with particular benefits shown for biological NMs.…”

Current research on ecotoxicity of metal-based nanoparticles: from exposure pathways, ecotoxicological effects to toxicity mechanisms

“…However, there are also potential risks to the environment and human well-being associated with the widespread use of metal-based NPs. Metal-based NPs can be released into the environment during manufacture, use and disposal and then cause ecotoxicity through various exposure pathways ( 11 ). The ecotoxicity of metal-based NPs refers to their adverse effects on the survival, growth, and reproduction of organisms in the environment, including microorganisms, plants, and animals.…”