Fullerene, carbon nanotube, and reactive nanoiron particle toxcicity in aquatic species.

Project Information

Principal Investigator	Eva Oberdorster
Institution	Southern Methodist University
Project URL	View
Relevance to Implications	High
Class of Nanomaterial	Engineered Nanomaterials
Impact Sector	Environment
Broad Research Categories	Hazard Response
NNI identifier

Funding Information

Country	USA
Anticipated Total Funding	n/a
Annual Funding	n/a
Funding Source	Lonestar Nanotechnology fund
Funding Mechanism	Extramural
Funding Sector	Other
Start Year	2003
Anticipated End Year	2005

Abstract/Summary

Nanoparticles are being engineered as high-surface area spheres or rods that have specific chemical properties that are useful in manufacturing (ex: produce reactive oxygen species, ROS). Little research has been done on the toxicity of these specifically engineered nanoparticles in terms of impacts on aquatic organisms. There are two major areas of concern: 1. How do filter-feeding organisms such as bivalve mollusks and zooplankton (ex: Daphnia) regulate the intake and distribution of these nanoparticles?, and 2. How are fish impacted as they are exposed to these nanoparticles via the gills? The goal is to explore uptake and distribution of nanoparticles, as well as oxidative stress endpoints and gene expression changes.