Toxic effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on early developmental and larval stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

• We evaluated the toxic effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on early developmental and larval stages of zebrafish.
• The survival and hatching rates of the embryos decreased in a dose dependent manner.
• Magnesium oxide nanoparticles induced cellular apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species.
• Different types of malformation were observed in exposed embryos.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) are used in medicine, manufacturing and food industries. Because of their extensive application in our daily lives, environmental exposure to these nanoparticles is inevitable. The present study examined the effects of MgONPs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) early developmental stages. The results showed that, at different concentrations, MgONPs induced cellular apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species. The hatching rate and survival of embryos decreased in a dose dependent manner. The 96-h LC50 value of MgONPs on zebrafish survival was 428 mg/l and the 48-h EC50 value of MgONPs on zebrafish embryo hatching rate was 175 mg/l. Moreover different types of malformation were observed in exposed embryos. The results demonstrate the toxic effects of MgONPs on zebrafish embryos and emphasize the need for further studies.