Project Details
Projekt
Engineered inorganic nanoparticles transformed by environmental processes: Biological effects on aquatic invertebrates
Applicant
Professor Dr. Ralf Schulz
Subject Area
Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
Term
from 2011 to 2019
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 172114680
During the first phase of INTERNANO, IMPACT uncovered that the initial particle size, surface coating, pH and the presence of DOC in the test medium trigger the effects of ion-releasing nanoparticles (NP) such as Ag NP. In contrast, pH seems to be of marginal importance for non-ion releasing nanoparticles, such as TiO2 NP. However, the crystalline structure of such nanoparticles determines their ecotoxicological potential, which is to some extent explainable by deviations in reactive surface area. Moreover, TiO2 NP alters the ecotoxicity of other environmental stressors, such as heavy metals (triggering). Finally, the magnitude of nanoparticle effects can be controlled by environmental factors, i.e. DOC (masking) and UV-irradiation (triggering). This indicates that nanoparticle effects are indeed driven by their initial composition, while environmental parameters may at least partly override the gradual difference among them.IMPACT will assess, based on the previous results, mechanisms of toxicity caused by nanoparticles following masking (different coating of NP) and catching (association of NP to surfaces such as organic materials with differing roughness) as well as due to triggering (in combination with UV-irradiation, heavy metals and organic chemicals). Based on the understanding during the first phase, IMPACT will also increase the ecological complexity of the experimental systems. Therefore, the focus will also include NP-related implications on ecosystem functions, uptake and trophic transfer along heterotrophic food chains. Both aspects will lead to a more comprehensive picture of the environmental concerns of NP and their underlying mechanisms. In detail, we suggest the following research questions:1. To which extent do masking, catching, dissolution as well as triggering of EINP affect the uptake, trophic transfer and the behavior of exposed macroinvertebrates?2. Are those effects reversible under environmental conditions typical for flood plain areas?3. Are masking, catching, dissolution and triggering of NPs affecting ecosystem functions?These hypotheses will be assessed by targeted laboratory studies allowing for well-defined environmental modifications and the assessment of ecologically relevant endpoints. IMPACT will benefit from MASK, which prepares nanoparticles with different masking, that also vary in their strength. Moreover MASK will characterize nanoparticles in water (e.g. DLS, NTA, HDC-UV-FDICP- MS and sp-HDC-ICP-MS) and test organisms (e.g. ETV-ICP-MS, ESEM-EDX) Raman (PORESURFACE) will be used to localize NP - mainly TiO2 NP - in the organisms. Moreover, IMPACT will contribute to the INTERNANO JOINT FLOODPLAIN EXPERIMENT and the BANK FILTRATION EXPERIMENT as well as coordinate the JOINT FOOD WEB & ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION EXPERIMENT.
DFG Programme
Research Units
International Connection
Sweden
Cooperation Partner
Professor Dr. Mirco Bundschuh
