Biochemical and metabolic effects of a short-term exposure to nanoparticles of titanium silicate in tadpoles of Pelophylax perezi (Seoane)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate sublethal effects of a short-term exposure (96 h) to titanium silicate nanoparticles (TiSiO(4)-NP) on Pelophylax perezi tadpoles. Tadpoles were exposed to five concentrations of TiSiO(4)-NP (8.2, 10.2, 12.8, 16 and 20 mg/L) plus a control. Effect criteria were: mortality, cholinesterases, glutathione S-transferases, lactate dehydrogenase, and catalase activities, and alanine and lactate contents. Light scattering was used for physical characterization of TiSiO(4)-NP suspensions, revealing a high aggregation state of the NP, consistent with low z-potential values (<30 mV). Mortality among TiSiO(4)-NP treatments was <11%. Significant differences relatively to the control were observed at the biochemical level (for CAT and LDH) and in lactate and alanine contents, which may end-up in increased oxidative stress. Overall, some of the monitored endpoints suggest metabolic alterations in TiSiO(4)-NP exposed tadpoles, highlighting the potential of TiSiO(4)-NP long-term effects on these organisms.