Metal accumulation, biochemical and behavioral responses on the Mediterranean clams Ruditapes decussatus exposed to two photocatalyst nanocomposites (TiO NPs and AuTiONPs).

Nanoparticle decoration with noble metal represents a promising alternative to improve their photocatalytic and photovoltaic properties. However, toxicity can be influenced by such modification, as the bioavailability of these substances may be influenced. To understand how decoration influences the NP impacts in marine ecosystems, we exposed suspension-feeding clams, Ruditapes decussatus, to two photocatalyst nanocomposites, TiO NPs and AuTiO NPs, over 2 concentrations, 50 μg Land 100 μg L, in a laboratory experiment. Accumulation of Au and Ti in gills and digestive gland was noted in clams after exposure to TiO NPs and AuTiO NPs using inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). TiO and AuTiO NPs alter the behavior of the clams Ruditapes decussatus by reducing filtration and respiration rates. Furthermore, the highest concentration of TiONPs induces an overproduction of HO in gills and digestive gland and NO production only in gills. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were induced in gills and digestives gland in concentration and nanocomposite type dependent manner. Decorated form presented higher Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in gills and digestive gland than the undecorated form, suggesting different mechanisms of action that may be mediated through oxidative stress. In conclusion, the considered parameters could represent reliable biomarkers for the assessment of NP toxicity on R. decussatus as biological biomonitoring model. In addition, based on the obtained results, nanoparticle decoration influences the toxicity of metal nanoparticles in marine organism.