Tissue- specific genotoxicity and antioxidant imbalance of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPTiO2) and inorganic lead (PbII) in a Neotropical fish species

Abstract The aquatic environment is the major recipient of wastes containing nanoparticles and other contaminants. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPTiO2) are one of the most produced and used nanoparticle worldwide. This study investigated the toxicity of NPTiO2, as well as the toxicity interaction between NPTiO2 and lead (Pb), in response to genetic and biochemical biomarkers using freshwater fish Rhamdia quelen, as an animal model. The results showed genotoxicity in blood and kidney tissues. No effect of NPTiO2 alone or in co-exposure with Pb on liver genotoxicity were observed. Alterations in the antioxidant hepatic enzymes activities, as well as alterations in glutathione levels indicated that NPTiO2 alone or in co-exposure with Pb can cause antioxidant imbalance. The lipid peroxidation was also raised after exposure to NPTiO2. In general, the results of this study indicated that both NPTiO2 alone and their co-exposure with Pb are capable of producing significant toxic effects in short-term exposure.