Effects of suspended multi-walled carbon nanotubes on daphnid growth and reproduction

Relatively little is known about the potential impacts of engineered nanoparticles on aquatic biota. Particularly relevant to aquatic ecosystems are those particles, which display increased solubility either through specialized coatings or through an ability to interact with water column constituents such as natural organic matter (NOM). Previous research has indicated that grazing zooplankton (Daphnia magna) are able to ingest lipid-coated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from the water column during their normal feeding behavior ( Roberts et al., 2007). Acute mortality was observed only at high concentrations (>5 mg/L). In this research NOM was used in place of a surfactant to stabilize suspensions. Water chemistry (ionic strength, hardness, and pH) has been shown to alter the behavior of NOM in natural systems. We hypothesized that these same variables may also affect the toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) stabilized in NOM. The purpose of this research was to examine the potential for sublethal effects to occur following exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes suspended in NOM and to determine whether those effects vary with pH alterations.

► We exposed daphnia to multi-walled carbon nanotubes both acutely and chronically.
► Suspended nanotube aggregates caused inhibited fecundity and growth in daphnia.
► Observed effects might be by a different mechanism than acute mortality mechanism.
► The mechanism could be aggregates displace food items, causing an energy deficit.