Nanocomposite treatment of hospital wastewater; Prophylaxis toxicity in the freshwater crayfish muscles and hepatopancreas

Abstract

The vulnerability of hospital wastewater (HWW) to natural ecosystems makes it a serious threat to health and well-being. Since HWW has a poor biodegradability index, traditional biological treatment approaches are frequently ineffectual in treating it. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of nanocomposite (NiFe₂O₄) treatment on HWW toxicity in the freshwater crayfish's muscles and the hepatopancreas (HP). Three groups of crayfish were subjected to study, each containing 20 individuals. Group I served as the control with tap water; Group II was exposed to HWW, and Group III received nano-HWW for 28 consecutive days. The research demonstrated that HWW treated with nanocomposite (NiFe₂O₄) may decrease the impairment effects of HWW exerted on the HP and muscles. This improvement was attained by reducing the HP and muscles' toxicity through lowering nitric oxide contents, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, and 8‑hydroxy- deoxyguanosine, while decreasing total antioxidant capacities, cytochrome P450, adenosine triphosphate, and calcium. Additionally, ameliorations were detected in the histological structure of the HP and muscles. In conclusion, this study presents an economic nanotechnology procedure for clearing HWW to prevent pollution in the environment. Clearing water from HWW pollutants will protect aquatic animals from degeneration and safeguard the ecosystem.