Nanoparticles and aquatic toxicology

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field, attracting significant investment from industry and governments. Nanoparticles (NMs) used in applications are typically described as nanoparticles (NPs) or nanotubes (NTs). Their small size causes physico-chemical properties, which differ from those of other materials; hence their environmental effects are unknown and to date little studied.

To ensure regulatory compliance with relevant legislative regimes it is necessary to understand the toxicity, fate, and environmental effects of nanomaterials prior to their use in products and subsequent inevitable release into the environment. Cefas scientists are utilising the world class facilities available at the Weymouth laboratory to develop a tiered testing approach, which comprises an initial screen for cellular toxicity using cultured cells, followed by standardised (OECD) invertebrate ecotoxicology tests (e.g. Daphnia magna). Finally, environmentally relevant fish species (e.g. stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus) are being used to assess a range of toxicogenomics, histopathological and behavioural endpoints to address regulatory safety and compliance.