Long-term Exposure of High Concentration Silver Nanoparticles Induced Toxicity, Fatality, Bioaccumulation, and Histological Alteration in Common Carp Fish (Cyprinus carpio)

BackgroundCurrently, nanotechnology and nanoparticles have been quickly emerged and have gained the attention of scientists due to its massive applications in environmental sectors. However, these environmental applications of silver nanoparticles potentially cause serious effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms. In the current study, freshwater fish C. carpio were exposed to blood mediated AgNPs for toxicity, mortality, bioaccumulation, and histological alterations. Silver nanoparticles were fabricated using animal blood serum and their toxic effect was studied against common carp fish at different concentrations level (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 mg/L).ResultsThe findings have revealed a little effect of blood induced silver nanoparticles (B-AgNPs) on fish behavior at the highest concentration (0.09 mg/L). However, bioaccumulation of B-AgNPs was reported in different organs of fish. Maximum bioaccumulation of B-AgNPs was reported in the liver, followed by intestine, gills, and muscles. Furthermore, the findings have showed that the B-AgNPs bioaccumulation led to histopathological alterations including damage structure of gills tissue and caused necrosis. It is summarized that histopathological alteration in gills and intestine mostly occurred at the highest concentration of B-AgNPs (0.09 mg/L). ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the AgNPs influence on aquatic life; however, further systematic studies are crucial to access the effects of AgNPs on aquatic life.