Physiological Biomarkers of Silver Nanoparticle Toxicity in the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||||
| Article 80, Volume 29, Issue 4, July and August 2025, Page 1429-1446 PDF (624.58 K) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.443305 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Salma Zeid ; Basma Moustafa
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| Abstract | ||||
| Despite their increasing use across various industries, concerns remain about the environmental and health risks associated with nanoparticles (NPs). Among these, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely applied for their antifungal and antibacterial properties and are incorporated into numerous consumer products. However, limited knowledge exists regarding their toxicity in aquatic environments, prompting the current study. This study investigated the effects of AgNPs on the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), exposed to concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 µg/L of AgNPs dissolved in aquarium water for two weeks. Hematological and biochemical parameters, histological examinations, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses were performed. Results indicated dose-dependent effects on immune and blood cell parameters. Immune cell activation—particularly increased levels of neutrophils and monocytes—was observed. At 6 µg/L, red blood cell (RBC) count and hematocrit levels increased, while hemoglobin levels remained relatively stable, with a slight increase at the same concentration. Blood glucose remained relatively stable at lower concentrations (1, 3, and 6 µg/L) but dropped significantly at 12 µg/L. Triglyceride levels increased significantly with AgNP exposure, whereas cholesterol levels decreased significantly at higher concentrations. Among liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels showed a significant increase from 3 µg/L onwards, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased significantly even at 1 µg/L. Furthermore, a progressive increase in IL-1β gene expression was observed with increasing AgNP concentrations, peaking at 12 µg/L. In conclusion, AgNPs can be considered safe at lower concentrations, particularly up to 6 µg/L, but caution is advised at higher levels due to their adverse hematological, biochemical, and immunological effects. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| The Nile tilapia; Nano silver; Physiological Biomarkers; Toxicity | ||||
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