Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the bioavailability, metabolism, and toxicity of pentachlorophenol in zebrafish larvae

This study investigated the influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO2) on the bioavailability, metabolism, and toxicity of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in fish. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos or larvae (2-h post-fertilization) were exposed to PCP (0, 3, 10, and 30 mu g/L) alone or in combination with n-TiO2 (0.1 mg/L) until 6 days post-fertilization. Results showed that n-TiO2 treatment alone did not induce lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the larvae. As compared with PCP treatment, the co-exposure of PCP and n-TiO2 enhanced the induction of ROS generation, eventually leading to lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 gene transcriptions were significantly upregulated in both PCP treatment alone and in combination with n-TiO2. Chemical analysis and histological examination showed that n-TiO2 adsorb PCP, and n-TiO2 are taken up by developing zebrafish larvae; however, PCP content was not enhanced in the presence of n-TiO2, but the metabolism of PCP to tetrachlorohydroquinone was enhanced in larvae. The results indicate that n-TiO2 enhanced the metabolism of PCP and caused oxidative damage and developmental toxicity, suggesting that NPs can influence the fate and toxicity of associated organic pollutants in the aquatic environment. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.