Nanoecotoxicologial evaluation of graphene oxide in Danio rerio (zebrafish): influence of interaction with humic substances

Abstract

Nanostructured graphene oxide has applications in areas such as electronics, pharmaceutical and environmental. Their diverse and promising uses raise concerns about the consequences to human and environmental health of the inappropriate disposal of waste materials and/or products. Despite nanotoxicological studies have been intensified in recent years, gaps still remain in the methods used to assess the nanotechnology risks. It is due to the complex nanomaterials behavior in the environment, especially in the presence of organic matter and depending on the nanomaterial characteristics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicological effects of graphene oxide (GO) by in vivo and in vitro tests with Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos, considering the influence of the presence of oxidative debris and its interaction with humic substances. For this, it will be evaluated lethal and sublethal parameters, as larvae total length and biochemical biomarkers of metabolism (activity of glutathione S-transferase and acid phosphatase), oxidative stress (activity of catalase) and neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase activity). It is expected to contribute to the establishment of analytical protocols and participate in the consolidation of nanoecotoxicology in Brazil, providing information to complement the knowledge about nanotechnology to the living organisms and ecosystems. (AU)