Interaction of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles with aquatic organisms: uptake, accumulation, and toxicity

Abstract Nanoparticles are used for several commercial applications, especially medical applications, energy-based research, and environmental applications. The usage of nanoparticles is increasing worldwide due to their unique properties, so all livings are exposed to these materials deliberately or unknowingly. The toxic nanoparticles disrupt the ecological balance of environment. The accumulation, surface area, particle size or shape of nanoparticles, exposure route, exposure time and dissolution contribute to the toxicity. The production of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles has expanded speedily in the last years so; it is important to know the risks that may be caused by their toxicological risks in ecosystems. This review emphasizes the environmental fate of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles. The environmental fate relates to their shapes, sizes, and physicochemical properties. The updated information on the toxicity of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles to aquatic organisms is given. Copper (II) oxide nanoparticles penetrate directly or indirectly into the organs of aquatic organisms through skin absorption, and/or nutrition. After the exposure, protein denaturation, protein oxidation, DNA damage, oxidative stress, generation of reactive oxygen species, hemolysis, and even cell death occurs in aquatic organisms. This review may assist in interdisciplinary studies to evaluate potential toxicity of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystems.