TROFISK ÖVERFÖRING OCH TOXISKA EFFEKTER AV (NANO-)PARTIKLAR FRÅN ELEKTRONISKT AVFALL

Abstract

Today, nanoparticles (NPs) are being included in an increasing number of products, and with that comes the dispersion of NPs in the environment. However, the ecological impact of NPs remains largely unexplored, particularly in regards to real emissions with complex compositions of NPs and other pollutants. Furthermore, the extent to which different NPs can be transferred through the food chain and the specific parts of the food chain that may be affected by NPs is mostly unknown.Further research in this field is necessary to ensure human health and maintain a high level of environmental protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological effects of NPs emitted from a real emission source. Specifically, it aimed to examine trophic transfer and potential toxic effects on fish resulting from exposure to particles originating from the recycling of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Sweden.The particle mixture primarily consisted of NPs. The goal was to assess whether the particles could be transferred to fish through benthic organisms and induce toxic effects in the fish. Two groups of perch (Percafluviatilis) were exposed to the particles: one group was solely exposed through water, while the other group was exposed through both water and food (mosquitolarvae, Chironomusriparius).Two control groups were also included: one exposed to pure water and another exposed to pure water with mosquito larvae. Following the exposure, liver, intestine, and gill samples were collected from the perch. The expression of genes coding for cytochrome P4501A(CYP1A), superoxidedismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathionereductase (GR), and metallothionein (MT) was analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Changed activity in transcription of these genes may indicate uptake of chemicals causing toxic effects.One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed no statistically significant difference in gene expression between the groups. Thus, uptake, trophic transfer or toxic effects resulting from the exposure could not be concluded. Overall, this study underscores the need for further research to enhance our understanding of the ecological implications of NPs in the environment.