ABSTRACT
Aquatic invertebrates are emerging as sensitive models for the ecotoxicological assessment of nanoparticles (NPs). Apart from data from traditional ecotoxicity testing, increasing information is available on the sub-lethal effects and modes of action measured at different levels of biological organization (from molecular to whole organism level), obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies in selected model species. However, for a correct evaluation of the biological impact of NPs in different freshwater and marine invertebrates, information on behavior of different types of NPs with different physico-chemical properties in different exposure media is needed. This will affect particle uptake/accumulation and consequent interactions with target cells and tissues, resulting in different biological effects.
In this Chapter, data on sub-lethal effects and mechanisms of action of different types of NPs in aquatic invertebrates will be reviewed. For each main class of NPs (Zero valent metal NPs, nano-oxides, carbon based NPs, quantum dots) results from in vitro and in vivo experiments will be summarized, including those on embryo/larval development. Data on NP particle size, shape, and coating and behavior in exposure media, when available, will be mentioned in relation with the biological effects observed in different experimental models.
