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Published on: September 19, 2019
Different phototoxicities of ZnO nanoparticle on stream functioning
Jingjing Du1, Yuyan Zhang2, Mingxiang Qv2
1School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Environmental Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China.
Light components significantly alter zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) transformation and toxicity in stream ecosystems. UV light, compared to visible light, reduced microbial activity but enhanced nitrogen decomposition, impacting leaf litter breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly used, raising concerns about their environmental fate and effects.
- Stream ecosystems are vulnerable to nanoparticle pollution, affecting decomposition and microbial communities.
- The phototoxicity of ZnO NPs, influenced by light, requires further investigation in aquatic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chronic phototoxicity of ZnO NPs on Populus nigra L. leaf decomposition in stream microcosms.
- To determine the impact of different light components (visible and UV light) on ZnO NP transformation and ecotoxicity.
- To assess the effects of ZnO NPs on microbial biomass, fungal biomass, and decomposition rates under varying light conditions.
Main Methods:
- A microcosm experiment simulating stream ecosystems was established using Populus nigra L. leaf litter.
- ZnO NPs were introduced at varying concentrations (10 and 20 mg L⁻¹) under natural photoperiods with distinct visible and UV light components.
- Microbial and fungal biomass, metabolic activity, antioxidant activity, decomposition rates, and specific microbial responses were analyzed over 30 days.
Main Results:
- Light components significantly influenced ZnO NP transformation dynamics.
- Chronic exposure to ZnO NPs under light irradiation decreased microbial biomass but increased fungal biomass.
- UV light exposure, compared to visible light, resulted in lower microbial activity but higher antioxidant activity and reduced decomposition rates at specific ZnO NP concentrations.
- Specific fungal species (Pleosporales sp., Montagnulaceae sp., Volutella citronella) showed sensitivity to ZnO NPs.
- Enhanced leaf nitrogen decomposition efficiency was observed under UV light at 10 mg L⁻¹ ZnO NPs.
Conclusions:
- Light components critically modulate ZnO NP transformation and their subsequent impact on stream ecosystem processes.
- ZnO NPs exhibit chronic phototoxicity, altering microbial community structure and function, particularly under UV irradiation.
- The interplay between ZnO NP photocatalysis and microbial activity influences leaf decomposition rates and nutrient cycling in aquatic environments.
