Insight into chronic exposure effects of nanosized titanium dioxide on Typha angustifolia leaf litter decomposition

Abstract Advancement in nanotechnology has increased production of nanoparticles which initiates concerns for freshwater ecosystems. Nanosized TiO 2 is one of the most used materials and its ecotoxicity has been extensively studied. Here, a freshwater microcosm experiment was performed to investigate the effects of nanosized (10, 60, and 100 nm) and bulk TiO 2 at 1 g L −1 on the alteration in community structure of fungal decomposers and the consequences on litter decomposition of Typha angustifolia leaves. After 209 days of exposure, the decomposition rate was significantly higher in 100 nm TiO 2 treatment compared to the control, which was caused by its promotion on fungal biomass and metabolic activity. Therefore, the study provides the multifaceted evidences for different effects of TiO 2 with varied sizes on T. angustifolia leaf decomposition and highlights the importance of understanding the potential effects of varying sizes and long-term exposure in nanoparticle risk assessments.