Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Chemistry and Ecology, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Metal–oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging materials that warrant consideration from an ecotoxicological perspective. Mussels are known as sensitive bioindicator organisms, as they have a sedentary lifestyle and a filter-feeding behaviour. Thus, this study investigated the impact of nickel-oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) on the responses of biomarkers in freshwater mussels (Unio delicatus). Mussels were exposed to 18 nm NiO NPs (up to 12.5 ppm) for 14 days and fed on laboratory-cultured algae (Chlorella vulgaris). Then, biomarkers belonging to the antioxidant, osmoregulation, and energy systems of mussels were measured. Mussels accumulated NiO NPs from water, and tissue Ni levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). The activities of Na-ATPase and Mg-ATPase in the gill increased significantly (p < 0.05), though Ca-ATPase activity did not change (p > 0.05). Likewise, the activities of catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the digestive glands, though there was no significant change (p > 0.05) in glutathione peroxidase activity. The levels of glucose and lipids decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at the highest NP concentration, causing a decline in the total energy reserves of tissues. To our knowledge, the present study is the first on U. delicatus to demonstrate the effects of NiO NPs, highlighting the use of biomarkers in environmental monitoring studies.