Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles Ecotoxicity in Silver Carp (hypophthalmicthys Molitrix) and Goldfish (carassius Auratus)

Recently, commercial nanometer sized silver is extensively used for its antibacterial effect; however, nanoparticles may also have ecotoxicological effects after being discharged into aquatic ecosystems. Nanometer sized silver can flow into water ecosystems, where it can exert a variety of physiologically effects in aquatic animals, including fish. The current research aimed to examine the effect of nanometer sized Iranian commercial nanosilver (Nanocid®) on the mortality response of two freshwater fish species – Silver Carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix) and Goldfish (Carassius auratus) and define the relationship between nanoparticle toxicity concentration and survival of these species. Fish were exposed to nanometer sized silver at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 ppm. LC50 was determined with probit analysis. The LC50 in goldfish (0.53 ppm) was higher than that of silver carps (0.34 ppm). Increased mortality was concomitantly observed with exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which suggests that AgNPs could accumulate in aquatic environments and seriously disturb the development of fish species.