Bivalve molluscs as a unique target group for nanoparticle toxicity

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Nanomaterial safety
• Marine biology

Background:

• Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly prevalent in aquatic environments.
• Estuarine and coastal zones act as sinks for NPs, influencing their behavior and biological impact.
• Bivalve mollusks are vital for biomonitoring due to their abundance and feeding mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the effects of various NPs on bivalve species, particularly Mytilus spp.
• To investigate the mechanisms of NP toxicity in bivalves.
• To assess the suitability of bivalves as models for NP ecotoxicology.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on NP effects in bivalves.
• In vitro studies on mussel hemocytes exposed to NPs.
• In vivo exposure studies to observe NP uptake and effects in bivalves.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticle exposure targets cell-mediated immunity in mussel hemocytes.
• In vivo studies show NP aggregates are directed to the digestive gland via gills.
• Intracellular NP uptake induces lysosomal disruption and oxidative stress in bivalves.

Conclusions:

• Bivalves are highly susceptible to NP toxicity, with significant impacts on immune and digestive systems.
• Cellular mechanisms like endocytosis and phagocytosis facilitate NP uptake, leading to adverse effects.
• Bivalves serve as an excellent model organism for studying nanoparticle toxicity in marine invertebrates.