Toxic potential of iron oxide, CdS/Ag2S composite, CdS and Ag2S NPs on a fresh water alga Mougeotia sp

•Fe3O4 NPs, CdS NPs, Ag2S NPs and CdS/Ag2S nanocomposite possess toxicity to Mougeotia sp.•The NPs damaged the algal cell membrane.•NPs treatment induces the ROS generation.•Lipid peroxidation level increased after NPs treatment.•The treatment of NPs suppressed the antioxidant defence system.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are being used in many industries ranging from medical, textile, automobile, consumer products, etc. This may increase the probability of their (NPs) release into the environment and fresh water ecosystems. The present study focuses on testing the potential effect of iron oxide, nanocomposite of cadmium sulfide and silver sulfide, cadmium sulfide and silver sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) on a fresh water alga Mougeotia sp. as the model organism. The alga was treated with different concentrations of NPs (0.1–25 mg/L). The NPs exposure caused lipid peroxidation and ROS production, and suppressed the antioxidant defense system such as catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase. Adsorption of NPs on algal surface and membrane damage were confirmed through microscopic evaluation and increase in protein content in extracellular medium. The present investigation pointed out the ecological implications of NPs. The study warrants the need for regulatory agencies to monitor and regulate the use of NPs.

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