Acute toxicity of synthetic colloidal silver nanoparticles produced by laser ablation method to Eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki

Considering the growing production, consumption of nanomaterials and their probable release into the aquatic ecosystems and study on the toxic effects of these materials are of critical importance to aquatic organisms. In this study, the acute toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by a physical method (laser ablation) was examined on Gambusia fish. Acute toxicity tests were planned and performed according to standards of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. To do this, after 96 hour exposing fish to different concentrations of silver nanoparticles, mortality data were analyzed using probit analysis program and lethal concentration values were calculated. Accordingly, the 96-hour median lethal concentration (LC50) of this AgNPs colloid for Gambusia fish (Gambusia holbrooki) estimated to be 0.016 mg l-1. On the basis of this value, mentioned nanomaterial is classified as a highly toxic chemical and in the case of release into the environment could have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Preventing from intentional or accidental release of AgNPs into aquatic ecosystems should be, therefore, considered further.