| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Gebara, Renan Castelhano
;
de Abreu, Cinthia Bruno
;
Rocha, Giseli Swerts
;
Assis, Marcelo
;
de Oliveira, Marisa Carvalho
;
Ribeiro, Renan Augusto Pontes
;
Melao, Maria da Graca Gama
;
Longo, Elson
Total Authors: 8
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Environmental Pollution; v. 386, p. 9-pg., 2025-12-01. |
| Abstract | |
Semiconductors have multiple applications in society, including photocatalysis and electrochemical sensors. Copper tungstate (CuWO4) particles can degrade organic compounds from water, but their deleterious effects on aquatic biota must be evaluated before their widespread use. We aimed to assess the toxicity of CuWO4 on the standardized microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata using a multiparameter approach. Our study comprehends the analysis of growth, lipid classes, carbohydrates, chlorophyll a, ROS production, photosynthesis, cell morphology, and theoretical calculations, to elucidate the toxicity mechanisms of this compound. We found that CuWO4 affected the growth at 2.8 mg/L, followed by an increase in cell granularity and volume at 2.8 and 5.6 mg/L, respectively. We also observed increased intracellular ROS production, photosynthesis impairment, and changes in lipid classes (especially triacylglycerol - TAG, with potential to biofuels), carbohydrates and chlorophyll a content. Besides the toxic effects caused by copper ion release and the physical and chemical effects of the particles, experimental and theoretical chemical analysis showed that the semiconductor CuWO4 itself produces oxidative species, especially photogenerated h+ (holes), and hydroxyl (center dot OH) and superoxide (center dot O2-) radicals, which can be associated with the localization of electronic levels summed to the undercoordination degree of the exposed surfaces. Our study shows that although CuWO4 is promisor in water decontamination, it is toxic to a green microalga at the base of aquatic food chains, being a possible threat to these ecosystems. Further ecotoxicological studies with other aquatic organisms is highly advised to better understand the effects of this semiconductor on entire environments. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 23/08525-7 - Development of 3D marine collagen-based wound dressings enriched with functional nanoparticles for the regeneration of cutaneous wounds. |
| Grantee: | Marcelo de Assis |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| FAPESP's process: | 24/06037-8 - Aspects of the ecotoxicity of secondary fragments of the microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) isolated and in mixture with metallic and organic pollutants as a function of concentration and size" |
| Grantee: | Renata Fracácio Francisco |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |
| FAPESP's process: | 14/14139-3 - Microbial processes and biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems |
| Grantee: | Hugo Miguel Preto de Morais Sarmento |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/13583-0 - Ecotoxicological Effects of Nanoparticles of ZnWO4 and CuWO4 On a Freshwater Planktonic Foodchain: Evaluating Possible Environmental Impacts of Emerging Contaminants |
| Grantee: | Renan Castelhano Gebara |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| FAPESP's process: | 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials |
| Grantee: | Elson Longo da Silva |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC |
| FAPESP's process: | 25/08354-3 - Evaluating the toxicity of Cobalt Tungstate Nanoparticles (CoWO4-NPs) and Nickel Tungstate Nanoparticles (NiWO4-NPs) to Danio rerio embryos |
| Grantee: | Cínthia Bruno de Abreu |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor |
| FAPESP's process: | 18/07988-5 - Bioprospecting, characterization and optimization of Brazilian microalgal strains for CO2 biofixation and bioproducts of commercial importance |
| Grantee: | Ana Teresa Lombardi |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/13607-7 - Environmental impacts of CoWO4 and NiWO4 nanoparticles on trophic levels of an aquatic food chain |
| Grantee: | Cínthia Bruno de Abreu |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| FAPESP's process: | 24/15099-7 - Ecotoxicological effects of zinc tungstate (ZnWO4) and copper tungstate (CuWO4) on initial stages of zebrafish: lethal and sublethal effects, and swimming behavior |
| Grantee: | Renan Castelhano Gebara |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor |