研究目的
The main objective of the present study is to assess the toxicity of different concentrations of QDs (CdS and ZnS), singly and combined, in the freshwater fish Danio rerio, by measuring the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase), lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, ubiquitin and HSP70. This work intends to provide additional information on the toxicity of QDs to fish, as increasing amounts are expected to be produced and used by industry in the coming years. Consequently, large quantities of QDs can be discharged to the aquatic ecosystems with an impact on the environment still unresolved and therefore more data on this subject is needed.
研究成果
The short-term exposure of adult D. rerio to different QDs concentrations (ZnS and CdS), singly and combined, did not cause significant mortality in fish. The exposure to QDs caused a low to moderate stress oxidative response, as shown mainly by the CAT and LPO responses. The results suggest that ZnS and CdS tested alone caused more pronounced effects than when combined. More studies using different species, testing other types of QDs, including relevant concentrations and mixtures are required to clarify the possible effects and mechanisms involved in the toxicity of QDs to aquatic organisms.
研究不足
The study's limitations include the short-term exposure period (seven days), which may not fully capture long-term effects of QDs on aquatic organisms. Additionally, the focus on oxidative stress biomarkers provides a limited view of potential toxicity mechanisms. The tendency of QDs to aggregate in aqueous suspensions may also affect their bioavailability and toxicity, which was not fully explored.