Effects of TiO2 nanoparticles at predicted environmental relevant concentration on the marine scallop Chlamys farreri: An integrated biomarker approach

•Oxidative stress and neurotoxicity of TiO2 NPs on Chlamys farreri were determined.•Predicted environmental relevant TiO2 NPs caused strong toxic effects on C. farreri.•Histopathology reveals alterations in the gill and digestive gland of C. farreri.•Integrated biomarker responses method was employed to assess the toxicity of TiO2 NPs.

Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) have caused extensive concern about their toxic effects on the marine environment. However, the chronic toxicity of NPs at predicted environmental relevant concentration on the marine organisms is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and histopathological effects of TiO2 NPs at predicted environmental relevant concentration (1 mg/L) to marine scallop Chlamys farreri. The results showed that TiO2 NPs caused obviously oxidative damage on the scallops as evidenced by the significantly elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. The increased acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activities reflected neurotoxicity of TiO2 NPs. The histopathological analysis revealed alterations in the gill and digestive gland, such as dysplastic and necrosis. Additionally, integrated biomarker response (IBR) values indicated that TiO2 NPs can cause strong toxic effects on the scallop. These results suggested that predicted environmental relevant TiO2 NPs can cause adverse effects on scallops and IBR analysis can be used as an effective approach for risk assessment of NPs on the marine organisms.