New Insights for Exploring the Risks of Bioaccumulation, Molecular Mechanisms, and Cellular Toxicities of AgNPs in Aquatic Ecosystem

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in numerous consumer products, including textiles, cosmetics, and health care items. The widespread usage of AgNPs results in their unavoidable discharge into the ecosystem, which pollutes the aquatic, groundwater, sediments, and marine environments. These nanoparticles (NPs) activate the production of free radicals reactive species in aquatic organisms that interrupt the functions of DNA, cause mitochondrial dysfunction, and increase lipid peroxidation, which terminates the development and reproduction both in vivo and in vitro. The life present in the aquatic ecosystem is becoming threatened due to the release and exploitation of AgNPs. Managing the aquatic ecosystem from the AgNP effects in the near future is highly recommended. In this review, we discussed the background of AgNPs, their discharge, and uptake by aquatic organisms, the mechanism of toxicity, different pathways of cytotoxicity, and bioaccumulation, particularly in aquatic organisms. We have also discussed the antimicrobial activities of AgNPs along with acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic groups of organisms.

Recent Advances in the Development of Lipid-, Metal-, Carbon-, and Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Antibacterial Applications

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Metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles from plant, animal, and fisheries wastes: potential and valorization for application in agriculture

“…The widespread usage of AgNPs can pollute inland and marine environments. These NPs activate the production of free radical reactive species in aquatic organisms that hinder DNA function causing mitochondrial dysfunction and increasing lipid peroxidation terminating development and reproduction (Ramzan et al 2022 ). AgNPs are oxidized to Ag + ions by the dissolution process and react with the negatively charged oxygen and nitrogen atoms in DNA, mitochondrion, and the thiol group presented in protein structures and enzymes, which in terns hinder normal cell reproduction leading to cell death (Ghobashy et al 2021 ).…”

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“…The presence of AgNPs in sewage can exert an inhibitory effect on the wastewater treatment process ( Ma et al, 2013 ). Additionally, its interaction with complexing ligands may alter the bioaccumulation and amplification of AgNPs in the water ( Ramzan et al, 2022 ). Moreover, it can also affect bioavailability, toxicity, and transfer of AgNPs in food chain organisms to enhance the chances of their human exposure via many different pathways ( Du et al, 2018 ).…”