engleski

TOXICITY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN DUCKWEED (Lemna minor L.)

The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles are being more often used in consumer products (deodorants, bandages, sprays, etc.). Numerous studies showed their phyto-, cyto-, and genotoxic effects of nanoparticles on both plant and animal organisms. In this study, the effect of nanoparticles (in the concentration range 0.5 - 25 mg L-1) was investigated using duckweed which is often used as a test organism. The standardized Lemna test has been performed in which plants are exposed to a toxicant over a period of 48 hours. Content of chlorophylls and carotenoids as well as of some oxidative stress indicators has been determined. The inhibition of growth and chlorophylls and carotenoid contents was noticed in response to nanoparticles. In contrast, oxidative damage to membrane lipids and proteins markedly increased in duckweed exposed to nanosilver which suggests great damage to membrane lipids. The activities of antioxidative enzyme increased in response to lower nanosilver treatments and significantly declined in response to higher concentrations. The results of the study indicate that oxidative stress is involved in the mechanism of nanosilver toxicity.

nanoparticles; silver; Lemna minor; toxicity; oxidative stress

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