Influence of salinity on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) in halophilic microalgae, Dunaliella salina

This study aim to evaluate the potential toxic effects of citrate coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ionic silver (AgNO3) on marine microalgae Dunaliella salina under three different salinities (35, 70, and 140 g/L). The toxicity was investigated according to modified OECD guideline (No. 201) by 72 h exposure of microalgae to various concentrations of each of the chemicals in Walne's saline media. According to the results, the growth inhibitory effects of AgNPs and AgNO3 increased significantly coincidence with increasing time and concentration compared to control (P < 0.05). The values of median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of AgNPs and AgNO3 based on average specific growth rate and yield for D. salina increased significantly with elevation of water salinity from 35 to 140 g/L (P < 0.05). Toxicity of AgNO3 based on IC50 to D. salina was significantly higher than AgNPs at all salinities (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both AgNPs and AgNO3 inhibited the growth of D. salina at different saltwater medium.