Abstract:
Nanotoxicity data for amphibians are limited compared to other taxonomic groups. The present study assessed toxicity of
titanium dioxide nanoparticles (
nanoTiO2, anatase form, particle size < 25 nm) on tadpoles of Duttaphrynus melanostictus
after short term and chronic exposures. Exposure to nanoTiO2
(≤ 100 mg/L) for 96 h had no significant effect on survival
but upon transfer to nanoTiO2
free water for another 21 days, survival of the tadpoles pre-exposed to nanoTiO2
was greatly
reduced and their development was delayed. Chronic exposure to nanoTiO2
(0.1 to 10 mg/L) for 14 days had no significant
effects on acetylcholinesterase activities but induced mortalities (up to 40%) and histological alterations in the intestine and
liver tissues. The results indicate that release of nanoTiO2
to aquatic ecosystems could pose negative impacts to amphibian
populations.
