Nanoparticles in the Aquatic Environment: The Risks Associated with Them and the Possibilities of Their Mitigation with Microalgae

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) are dangerous micro-pollutants that exhibit biotoxicity even in low (nanogram range) concentrations. Apart from direct toxicity to living organisms, NPs can absorb and transfer organic or inorganic toxicants, as well as potentiate the toxicity of other micropollutants. Increasing use of NPs in the industrial and domestic applications leads to their increased production and discharge into the environment giving rise to diverse risks for ecosystems. These risks are exacerbated by the resilience of NPs to biodegradation in natural ecosystems and traditional wastewater treatment plants. Efficient NPs removal technologies are