Effect of exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO2)nanoparticles in curimbatá (Prochilodus lineatus, Teleostei): physiological, biochemical and morphological aspects

Abstract

The nanotechnology advancement, associated with the absence of specific regulations for the disposal of nanoparticles (NPs), increases the need to know the toxicity of NPs. Toxicological effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs are described for in vitro studies and in vivo studies in mammals, but there are few studies with aquatic organisms. Curimbatá, Prochilodus lineatus (Teleostei), is a potential bioindicator species and due to its detritivorous feeding habits, the fish are exposed to pollutants in water and in the sediment of aquatic systems. Due to its importance for subsistence and artisanal fishery, P. lineatus is consumed by human population and, if it is contaminated by NPs TiO2, may be toxic to consumers. Therefore, the species is an excellent model to investigate the environmental contamination. This way, project aims to evaluate the toxicity of TiO2 NPs determining the LC50- 48 h, as well as the effect of sublethal concentrations after acute (48 h) and chronic (14 d) exposure using biotransformation, antioxidants, ionic regulation, morphological and physiological biomarkers in P. lineatus. The sanity and sensitivity of animails will be tested using KCl as the reference substance and the LC50- 48 h of the TiO2 NPs to juvenile P. lineatus will be determined. After LC50- 48 h determination, the animals will be exposed to CL50/5, CL50/10, CL50/50, CL50/100 concentrations and a control group, in acute and chronic exposure to evaluate the effects and celullar responses using biotransformation, antioxidants, ionic regulation, morphological and physiological biomarkers. These assays will provide support for recognition of water bodies contamination by TiO2 NPs and about dietary risk with the consumption of fish exposed to TiO2 NPs.