Toxicity of TiO2, SiO2, ZnO, CuO, Au and Ag engineered nanoparticles on hatching and early nauplii of Artemia sp.

The potential of environmental release enhances with increased commercial applications of the nanomaterials. In this work, a simple and efficient test to estimate the acute toxicity of nanoparticles is carried out on Artemia species and their hatching rates. We have tested six different engineered nanoparticles (silver, gold, copper oxide, zinc oxide, TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles) and three soluble salts (CuSO4, ZnSO4 and AgNO3) on Artemia sp. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles involved in this study were analyzed in normal water and marine water. Hydrated and bleached Artemia cysts were allowed to hatch in continuously aerated, filtered sterile salt water containing nanoparticles; hatching of viable nauplii and total hatchlings have been recorded. In parallel, standard Artemia toxicity test was conducted on the nauplii monitoring the viability. In hatching experiments, a reduction in hatching rate was observed along with mortality of newly hatched nauplii. The results of the hatching experiment and of the standard Artemia test showed a good correlation. The toxicity of the nanoparticles was compared and the order of toxicity was estimated as Ag>CuO>ZnO>Au>TiO2>SiO2. The study thus suggests that the hatching test itself is a reliable assay for determining the toxicity of nanomaterials

Nanophytoremediation: An Overview of Novel and Sustainable Biological Advancement

Increased threat of metals simultaneous to the biota well-being and the environs is continually causing a major apprehension worldwide. The phytoremediation technique is highly advantageous involving the natural processes of plants viz., translocation, evapotranspiration, and bioaccumulation, thus degrading contaminants slowly. In particular, nanophytoremediation is a rapid green alternative as it reduces the ancillary impacts of the environment such as green gas emissions, waste generation, and natural resource consumption to the present scenario as there is a great potential of nanoparticles from plants which can be synthesized. Nanophytoremediation is a current methodology for remediation of pollutants, contaminants by using synthesized nanoparticles from plants. In this, the use of different strategies enhances the selective uptake capabilities of plants. The metal elements in excess are affecting the physiological processes in plants; thus, it is necessary to apply nanophytoremediation technology through transgenic plants. In this review paper, we focused on plant species, which can be used as metal tolerant, hyperaccumulators. Due to the insurmountable pressure of a sustainable cleaner environment, bioremediation can be concurrent with nanoparticles for efficient and effective sustainable measures

A review on microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Their occurrence, exposure routes, toxic studies, and potential effects on human health

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants, having a major ecotoxicological concern to humans and many other biotas, especially aquatic animals. The physical and chemical compositions of MPs majorly determine their ecotoxicological risks. However, comprehensive knowledge about the exposure routes and toxic effects of MPs/NPs on animals and human health is not fully known. Here this review focuses on the potential exposure routes, human health impacts, and toxicity response of MPs/NPs on human health, through reviewing the literature on studies conducted in different in vitro and in vivo experiments on organisms, human cells, and the human experimental exposure models. The current literature review has highlighted ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts as major exposure routes of MPs/NPs. Further, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, DNA damage, inflammation, immune response, neurotoxicity, metabolic disruption, and ultimately affecting digestive systems, immunology, respiratory systems, reproductive systems, and nervous systems, as serious health consequences

<i>In Vitro</i>and<i>In Vivo</i>Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation against Russell’s Viper and Cobra Venom and Screening of Bioactive Components by Docking Studies

The present study emphasizes to reveal the antivenom activity ofAristolochia bracteolataLam.,Tylophora indica(Burm.f.) Merrill, andLeucas aspera S.which were evaluated against venoms ofDaboia russelli russelli(Russell’s viper) andNaja naja(Indian cobra). The aqueous extracts of leaves and roots of the above-mentioned plants and their polyherbal (1 : 1 : 1) formulation at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed protection against envenomed mice with LD50doses of 0.44 mg/kg and 0.28 mg/kg against Russell’s viper and cobra venom, respectively. Inin vitroantioxidant activities sample extracts showed free radical scavenging effects in dose dependent manner. Computational drug design and docking studies were carried out to predict the neutralizing principles of type I phospholipase A2(PLA2) from Indian common krait venom. This confirmed that aristolochic acid and leucasin can neutralize type I PLA2enzyme. Results suggest that these plants could serve as a source of natural antioxidants and common antidote for snake bite. However, further studies are needed to identify the lead molecule responsible for antidote activity.</jats:p