BIOACCUMULATION OF ZINC (Zn2+) BY CLARIAS GARIEPINUS EMBRYOS EXPOSED TO ZINC OXIDE (ZnO) NANOPARTICLES

ABSTRACT

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are one of the most economically and commercially important nanoparticles with a wide range of applications due to their shape, size and properties. However, their presence in the environment is increasing which can cause serious implications on our aquatic organisms. Given this knowledge, the goal of this study was to assess the bioaccumulation of zinc (Zn) in the embryos of Clarias gariepinus when exposed to zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for 48 hours post fertilization. The embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (0.5, 1, 5 and 10mg/L) for 48 hours after fertilization. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to assess the accumulation of Zn in the embryos. Results showed accumulation of Zn2+ in embryos exposed to varying concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles. The accumulation of Zn2+ was both time and concentration dependent. In conclusion, the results from this study indicates that exposure to ZnO nanoparticles resulted in the accumulation of Zn in the embryos of C. gariepinus and this can cause subsequent toxicity to the organism.