Distribution of Silver (Ag) and Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Aquatic Environment

Abstract

Nanomaterials, classified as emerging pollutants that are toxic to the environment, are known to bioaccumulate across different trophic levels in the aquatic ecosystem. This study therefore investigates the distribution of silver and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the aquatic environment of Skudai River, Johor, Malaysia. Water, sediment, plant, and fish samples were collected seasonally along four sites along Skudai River between May 2018 and April 2019. All samples were subjected to Ag analysis using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The analysis demonstrated that the concentration of Ag detected in water samples ranging from 0.001 to 0.505 mg/L was the lowest, whereas in the plants, 0.235 to 4.713 mg/kg of Ag was quantified. The upper sediments contained 0.036 to 28.115 mg/kg of Ag, whilst fish samples presented the highest accumulation of Ag, averaging between 9.144 and 53.784 mg/kg of Ag. Subsequently, the formation of silver nanoparticles was further proven by TEM-EDX analysis, where the detected size of AgNPs ranged from 20 nm to 35 nm. The overriding conclusion implied by bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and biota–sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) calculations suggested that Skudai River was indeed polluted by Ag and AgNPs. The values obtained stipulated that silver accumulation is occurring at an alarming rate and could therefore endanger fish consumers.

The Occurrence of Oxidative Stress Induced by Silver Nanoparticles in Chlorella vulgaris Depends on the Surface-Stabilizing Agent

“…To investigate the most realistic effects of AgNPs on algae, we used environmentally relevant concentrations of silver that allowed 75% cell survival after 72 h in liquid BBM culture medium. Indeed, studies have shown that silver concentrations in Malaysian surface waters are as high as 0.505 mg L −1 [ 68 ] or as high as 10.16 mg L −1 [ 69 ], depending on the proximity to different factories, while previous predictions based on mathematical models estimate the upper limit of global silver concentration in environmental waters to be as high as 17 µg L −1 [ 70 ]. Considering that more than 130 tons of silver enter European aquatic ecosystems every year, 15% of which is in the form of AgNPs [ 71 ], and that silver production is increasing each year [ 71 , 72 ], the concentrations we use correspond to those that can realistically occur in the environment.…”

Nano-microflora Interaction Inducing Pulmonary Inflammation by Pyroptosis

“…These engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been integrated across diverse domains, spanning from facial masks, aerosol disinfectant sprays, textiles, and food packaging to environmental equipment and medical devices. , Nonetheless, the extensive utilization of these nanomaterials, while heralding significant benefits, also introduce a concomitant elevation in exposure risks, eliciting adverse effects on both the environment and human health. For instance, studies examining air quality have uncovered significant concentrations of TiO 2 particles, ranging from 21.2 to 277.3 μg/m 3 , and carbon black particles, with levels between 17 and 79 μg/m 3 . , Furthermore, water sample analyses have revealed the presence of up to 0.5 mg/L of Ag NPs, leading to substantial accumulation of silver in plants, ranging from 0.2 to 4.7 mg/kg, and in fish, with concentrations between 9.1 and 53.8 mg/kg) …”

“…15,16 Furthermore, water sample analyses have revealed the presence of up to 0.5 mg/L of Ag NPs, leading to substantial accumulation of silver in plants, ranging from 0.2 to 4.7 mg/kg, and in fish, with concentrations between 9.1 and 53.8 mg/ kg). 17 Among the various potential routes of NP exposure, inhalation is the most perilous for human health. Inhaled NPs can penetrate the respiratory tract and localize in the terminal bronchi within the alveolar sacs of pulmonary lobules and alveoli, thus interacting with a multitude of constituents.…”