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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
A Small-Scale Setup for Algal Toxicity Testing of Nanomaterials and Other Difficult Substances
Published on: October 10, 2020
Stability of nickel oxide nanoparticles and its influence on toxicity to marine algae Chlorella vulgaris
Ning Gong1, Kuishuang Shao2, Cheng Che1
1Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, 1 Linghai Road, Dalian, 116026, PR China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, PR China.
Abstract:
This study considered the stability of nickel oxide nanoparticles (nNiO) in seawater including their ability of aggregation and ion release. Furthermore, the relationship between these properties and their toxicity on marine algae Chlorella vulgaris was investigated. The results showed nNiO inhibited the growth of algal cells and decreased their chlorophyll content, which was due to the shading effects by aggregation of nNiO in seawater. Moreover, the release of Ni2+ depended on concentration of the nNiO solution. About 1.63% Ni2+ (varied from 0.89 to 3.63%) was detected and it may mediate the generation of ROS under both visible light and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, which resulted in oxidative stress in algae. Therefore, the stability of nNiO in water affected its toxicity, which should be considered when assessing the nano-pollution risks in aquatic ecosystem.
