Transition of Nanoparticles Fе3O4 and Al in a Simplified Aquatic Food Chain

Abstract

This article presents the results of experiments on the transitions of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (20–30 nm) and Al (18 nm) from one organism to another, making up a simple food chain (plant–mollusk–fish). In experiments, mollusks (Melonopsis praemorsa) feed on the leaves of plant (Elodea canadensis) after being contaminated with Al or Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were detected using TEM analysis in the cells of the mollusk’s organs. Then the fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were fed with mollusks. The distribution and localization of nanoparticles in fish organs has been determined. Experimental results showed that nanoparticles can pass from one organism to another in the food chain. Nanoparticles accumulate mainly in the liver of mollusks and fish.