Investigation of the Effects of Zn and ZnO Nanoparticles on the Survival Rates of Artemia salina

Abstract

Intensive and possible misuse of nanoscale materials is one of the biggest threats to the environment and all living things worldwide. For this
reason, various control mechanisms should be investigated in use of NP. In biotreatment or toxicity studies, the most important factor affecting
the researches is the selection of the organisms to be used. The aim of this study is to investigate the ecological imbalance potentials of Zinc
(Zn) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) in creatures such as fish and crustaceans, which are at the top of the food chain, as a result of
the alimentary (trophic) transfer potential by using Artemia salina which is a primary consumer.
In this study, Zn NPs (40-60 nm) and Zn NPs (80-100 nm) and ZnO NPs (10-30 nm) were administered to A. salina individuals (105000
individuals in total) in 7 groups (Control, 0.2, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0 and 50.0 ppm) with 3 repetitions . Measurements were performed at 24th, 48th
and 72nd hours and elimination values were examined at +24 hours. The survival rates of organisms after exposure to NPs were determined.
According to the results of phase contrast microscopy, it was determined that the experimental organism absorbed the NPs in the environment.
The survival rate of A. salina individuals exposed to Zn (40-60 nm), Zn (80-100 nm) and ZnO (10-30 nm) NPs was found to be between 59.67%
and 13.00%; and the elimination groups were between 22.00% and 6.33%.