Fluorescence Polystyrene nanoplastics and chromium (III) nitrate nonahydrate individual and complex toxicity on Artemia salina

Abstract

Growing apprehension surrounds the toxic effects of various pollutants in marine ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate how the combination of 200 nm Fluorescence polystyrene nanoplastics (F-PSNPs) and chromium (III) nitrate nonahydrate (CNN) might influence their toxicity to Artemia salina, a marine crustacean. The interaction between CNN and F-PSNPs in natural seawater resulted in the formation of micron-sized particles. This interaction also caused a decrease in F-PSNP fluorophore intensity. Reduced residual CNN concentration within the mixture indicated CNN binding to F-PSNPs. Acute toxicity tests were conducted on Artemia salina using different concentrations of F-PSNPs individual, CNN, and F-PSNPs+CNN complex. The study assessed the potential toxicity of these emerging contaminants by examining mortality rates, hatching success, morphological changes, and biochemical alterations. Exposure to the F-PSNPs+CNN complex resulted in decreased hatching success, increased mortality, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, catalase, lipid peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced total protein, independent action model suggesting an additive toxic effect in the complex. Significant differences were noted between the impact of the complex and the individual. However, accumulating these particles in organisms may contaminate the food chain. These findings underscore the potential environmental risks associated with the concurrent exposure of aquatic organisms to nanoplastics and other co-contaminating heavy metals.