Toxicological Interactions of Silver Nanoparticles in Aquatic Ecosystems

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become ubiquitous in consumer and medical products, leading to their continuous release into freshwater and marine environments. Once in aquatic systems, AgNPs undergo physicochemical transformations—including aggregation, dissolution to silver ions and surface modification by natural organic matter—that critically influence their mobility, bioavailability and toxicity. At the base of the food web, microalgae and bacteria experience growth inhibition, oxidative stress and membrane damage, whereas higher organisms such as invertebrates and fish can accumulate AgNPs through uptake pathways ranging from cell-surface adsorption to endocytosis. Environmental parameters—pH, salinity and dissolved organic carbon—modulate both ionic release and particle stability, thereby shaping ecological outcomes. Sublethal exposures can impair photosynthesis, reproductive success and community structure, with potential for trophic transfer and bioamplification. These insights underscore the need for harmonised monitoring, risk assessment frameworks and eco-design strategies to reconcile the benefits of nanotechnology with the protection of aquatic health.

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Toxicological Interactions of Silver Nanoparticles in Aquatic Ecosystems publication trend

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Technical terms

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs): Metallic silver particles in the 1–100 nm size range with distinctive surface-related behaviours.

Dissolution: The process by which AgNPs release ionic silver (Ag⁺) into the surrounding medium.

Aggregation: Coalescence of individual nanoparticles into clusters, altering dispersion and biological interactions.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules that can induce oxidative damage in cells.

Eco-design: An engineering approach that optimises material performance while reducing environmental risks.

Bioavailability: The extent to which organisms can assimilate a substance, such as dissolved silver, from their environment.

References

1. Effects of citrate-stabilized gold and silver nanoparticles on some safety parameters of Porphyridium cruentum biomass. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2023).
2. Silver Nanoparticles for Water Pollution Monitoring and Treatments: Ecosafety Challenge and Cellulose-Based Hybrids Solution. Polymers (2020).
3. Toxicity Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Photosynthetic Pigment Content, Growth, ROS Production and Ultrastructural Changes of Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Nanomaterials (2019).