In vitro effects of silver nanoparticles on gills morphology of female Guppy (Poecilia reticulate) after a short-term exposure

The application of nanoparticles in various industries has grown significantly in recent years. The aims of this study were evaluation effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on survival rate and tissues (Gills) of Guppy (Poecilia reticulate) as a model of the freshwater organism. For this purpose, 90 mature fish were exposed to a different level of AgNPs for 96 hr. Data analyzed showed there was a significant correlation between fish mortality rate and AgNPs concentrations. Histological assays showed some typical tissue damages such as hyperplasia, hypertrophy, hyperemia, hemorrhage, and necrosis. Moreover, fish exposed to a lethal concentration of AgNPs showed some clinical signs, such as increasing operculum movement, swimming near the water surface, anxiety, and death with open mouth. The results of the present study showed that AgNPs can have toxicity effects on Guppy, also to sub-lethal concentrations, leading to several tissue damages and reduced survival rate of fish.