A review of the effects of metallic nanoparticles on fish

Abstract

Many important discoveries have been made in the field of nanotechnology in the last 40 years. Since then, nanoparticles became nearly ubiquitous. With their spreading use, safety concerns have warranted extensive research of nanotoxicity. This paper offers information about the occurrence, transport, and behaviour of metallic nanoparticles in the aquatic environment. It further summarizes details about parameters that dictate the toxicity of nanoparticles and discusses the general/common mechanisms of their toxicity. This review also focuses on fish exposure to nanoparticles, including the possibility of trophic transport through the food chain. Information on some of the most frequently used metallic nanoparticles, such as silver, gold, and titanium dioxide, is further elaborated on.