![]() Although Cu is an essential metal, it is extremely toxic at elevated concentrations and negatively impacts mussels, fish, and crustaceans at concentrations as low as 4 μg L −1. ![]() Increased production and use will lead to greater environmental release of CuO ENPs, which is of concern because of the lack of information regarding their environmental safety. Their antimicrobial and antifouling properties make CuO ENPs useful in soaps and antifouling paints and coatings for boat hulls and other submerged surfaces, suggesting that release into the environment is likely. Our results suggest that mussels have the potential to influence the fate and transport of CuO ENPs and potentially cause magnification of CuO ENPs in mussel bed communities, creating a significant source of Cu to marine benthos.ĬuO engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are used in industrial applications as a catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation and a component of heat transfer fluids. Mussels exposed to 3 mg L −1 CuO ENPs accumulated 79.14 ± 12.46 μg Cu g −1 dry weight, which was 60 times more Cu than in control animals. Mussels rejected and excreted CuO ENPs in biodeposits containing as much as 110 mg Cu g −1, suggesting the potential for magnification in sediments. Previous studies show 100% mortality at 1 mg Cu L −1, suggesting that CuO ENPs are much less toxic than ionic Cu, probably due to the slow dissolution rate of the ENPs. Mussel clearance rate was 48% less, and growth was 68% less, in mussels exposed to 3 mg L −1 than in control animals. We exposed marine mussels to 1, 2, or 3 mg L −1 CuO ENPs for four weeks, and measured clearance rate, rejection, excretion and accumulation of Cu, and mussel shell growth. We examined the toxicity of CuO ENPs to marine mussels and the influence of mussels on the fate and transport of CuO ENPs. Greater use of CuO engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) may lead to increased concentrations of CuO ENPs in aquatic environments causing potential ecological injury. Cu is an essential trace element but can be highly toxic to aquatic organisms at elevated concentrations. ![]()
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