Behavioural and biochemical responses of two marine invertebrates Scrobicularia plana and Hediste diversicolor to copper oxide nanoparticles

► Assessment of ecotoxicity of CuO NP which are extensively used in many applications. ► Biological models are target species for NPs mainly associated with sediment. ► Laboratory tests were carried out with environmentally realistic doses of copper. ► Comparison of ecotoxicity of copper either in solution or as nanoparticles. ► Determination of defence biomarkers able to prevent damages (mainly oxidative stress).