Gyanendra B. Chand* & Aparna Singh
Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, P.G. Department of Zoology, Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Received : 12th February, 2025 ; Revised : 12th March, 2025
DOI:-https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15981196
Abstract– The present study investigates the toxicological effects of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) on the liver of the freshwater fish Channa punctatus, a species widely used as a bioindicator of aquatic pollution due to its ecological and economic importance. Pre-characterized SiO2NPs (<100 nm, 99.9% purity) were administered at varying concentrations of 1.2 ppm and 2.3 ppm for 7 days and 14 days respectively to explore acute and sub-acute toxicity in fish. Histological examinations revealed progressive liver damage including fibrosis, hepatocellular necrosis, vascular congestion, cytoplasmic vacuolization, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and signs of hepatocellular Carcinoma etc. All these changes are indicative of severe hepatic stress and immune response. Observed histopathological alterations intensified with both concentration and exposure duration. The findings align with existing literature on nanoparticle-induced hepatic toxicity in aquatic organisms and raise concerns about the environmental and biological risks of SiO2NPs, especially considering their increasing industrial application. Given the potential for bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, this study underscores the urgent need for regulated nanoparticle use and conservation strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health.
Keywords: Acute toxicity, Behavioural responses, Channa punctatus, Conservation, Environment, Histopathology, Hepatic tissue, LC50, Silica nanoparticles
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