Toxicity assessment of novel nanoparticle-based dispersants to fathead minnows (Pimephales Promelas)

The toxicity of synthetic nanoparticle-based dispersants to fathead minnows (Pimephales Promelas) was tested. Solutions of water accommodated fractions (WAF) of oil, dispersants, or WAF + dispersants were made and used to treat early life stages of fish, including embryos and larvae. Endpoints for embryos included time to hatch, deformities, heartbeats and gene expression. Endpoints for larvae included survival and gene expression.本研究测试了基于合成纳米颗粒的分散剂（synthetic nanoparticle-based dispersants）对黑头呆鱼（Pimephales Promelas）的毒性。研究人员分别制备了石油水可溶组分（Water Accommodated Fractions，WAF）、分散剂，以及WAF与分散剂混合的溶液，用于暴露处理该鱼类的早期生命阶段，包括胚胎与仔鱼。针对胚胎的观测终点包括孵化时长、畸形发生率、心跳速率与基因表达水平；针对仔鱼的观测终点包括存活率与基因表达水平。