Toxicological effects of transition metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles on goldfish (Carassius auratus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

The aim of present study was to assess the toxicological effects of transition metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) on histopathological changes, behavioral patterns, and antioxidant responses of goldfish (Carassius auratus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-visible, and Vibration Sample Magnetometer. Fish in four experimental groups exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of pure TiO₂ NPs (10 mg L^-1), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) doped TiO₂ NPs for seven days. Statistical analysis of oxidative stress responses in gills showed significant differences in superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde parameters between two species and in all parameters than glutathione peroxidase between experimental groups and control group. In intestine, no significant difference was observed among groups, but oxidative responses were markedly different in all parameters among fish species. The histopathological analysis showed hyperplasia, fusion, and aneurism in the gills as well as degeneration, integration of villi, necrosis and erosion of the intestine. Our findings indicated that compare to pure TiO₂ NPs, exposure to transition metals-doped TiO₂ NPs induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in both fish species.

Keywords: Antioxidant response; Fish; Histopathological damages; TiO(2) NPs; Transition metal.