Mites as a Potential Path for Ce-Ti Exposure of Amphibians

Despite the documented effects on human and animal health, particles smaller than 0.1 µm in diameter found soils, sediments, atmosphere remain unregulated. Yet, cerium titanium oxide nanoparticles associated with traffic increase mortality, cause behavioral changes, inhibit growth amphibians. Mites of genus Hannemania spend their early stages soil before becoming exclusive parasites Unlike other mites, is inside epidermis amphibians, thus facilitating intake particles, leading to direct chronic exposure. To better understand this exposure path, we sampled amphibians hosting mites a river potentially polluted by sources. Particles collected from were studied scanning electron microscopy Raman spectroscopy while sediment samples analyzed for total metal content portable X-ray fluorescence. Our results indicate that showed significant correlations between elements (Zr, Mn, Ti, Nb, Fe) often components catalytic converters level Zr exceeded local geochemical background, suggesting an anthropic origin. Furthermore, adhered exhibited characteristic vibrational modes ceria (CeO 2 , 465 cm −1 ), ceria-zirconia -ZrO 149, 251, 314 rutile (TiO 602 pointing out deterioration as most likely source. This research highlights both importance unregulated source ultrafine Ce-Ti particle pollution role sub-cutaneous vector these amphibian