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Silver-Form-Driven Nanotoxicity Reveals Spirodela intermedia W. Koch as a Potential Bioindicator for Aquatic Systems
Maia Sabrina Cruz1, Mailén Petri1,2, Luca Terraciano1,2
1Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Dpto. de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Chemical Research in Toxicology
|May 29, 2026
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) cause more harm to Spirodela intermedia than silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag2SNPs). Spirodela intermedia shows promise as a bioindicator for aquatic ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Nanotechnology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag2SNPs) are widely used, raising ecological concerns upon release into aquatic environments.
- Evaluating the phytotoxicity of these nanoparticles is crucial for understanding their environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the phytotoxic effects of AgNPs and Ag2SNPs on the aquatic macrophyte Spirodela intermedia.
- To assess the potential of S. intermedia as a bioindicator for silver nanoparticle contamination.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of AgNPs and Ag2SNPs.
- Exposure of S. intermedia to environmentally relevant concentrations of nanoparticles.
- Assessment of morphometric parameters, ascorbate oxidase (AO) activity, and chlorophyll-a fluorescence.
Main Results:
- AgNPs induced significantly higher phytotoxicity than Ag2SNPs, including frond abscission and chlorosis.
- AO activity was reduced, and the photosynthetic apparatus was damaged by AgNPs.
- S. intermedia demonstrated sensitivity to both nanoparticle types.
Conclusions:
- The chemical form of silver nanoparticles critically influences their phytotoxicity.
- S. intermedia is a sensitive and promising candidate for bioindication in aquatic ecosystems for monitoring silver nanoparticle pollution.
