Comparative phytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles,ZnO microparticles,and Zn2+ on rapeseed (Brassica napus L.): investigating a wide range of concentrations

The effects of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO microparticles (MPs), and zinc ions (Zn²⁺) on some growth parameters of rapeseed (Brassica napus) seedlings have been studied. The growth inhibition by ZnO NPs was not stronger than that by ZnO MPs while treatment with Zn²⁺ inhibition was clearly stronger.     

纳米氧化锌对羊角月牙藻毒性效应及其在藻细胞内外的分布

为研究纳米氧化锌(ZnO NP)的毒性效应及其在细胞内外分布,以羊角月牙藻(Selenastrum capricornutum)为模型藻类,研究了不同浓度ZnO NP对羊角月牙藻生长、叶绿素含量、可溶性蛋白含量、超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)及过氧化物酶(POD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量及细胞内外ZnO NP含量变化。结果表明,ZnO NP对羊角月牙藻的生长抑制与处理浓度呈现正相关。在45 mg·L~(-1)ZnO NP暴露24 h后,其生长抑制率已达到95%。当ZnO NP处理藻细胞72 h后,羊角月牙藻细胞的叶绿素含量与处理浓度之间存在剂量-效应关系。低浓度(0.5 mg·L~(-1))ZnO NP处理后藻细胞可溶性蛋白质含量、SOD和POD活性明显下降,MDA含量升高,其产生的毒性效应高于高浓度组(5 mg·L~(-1)、45 mg·L~(-1))。细胞培养液溶出Zn2+量及藻细胞外吸附的ZnO NP量与ZnO NP处理浓度成正比,但是藻细胞内ZnO NP量与ZnO NP浓度没有相关性,胞内积累量基本维持不变。研究表明,各浓度组对藻细胞毒性的差异,不仅与细胞内Zn2+量有关,还与细胞外粘附的ZnO NP有关。     

Biochemical and histopathological ultrastructural changes caused by ZnO nanoparticles in mice

Five week-old mice were divided into a vehicle control group, and groups exposed to ZnO nanoparticles at low (0.5 g/kg), middle (1 g/kg), high (3 g/kg), and exceptionally high-dose (5 g/kg). After the first, second, third, and fourth weeks’ of exposure, blood biochemistry, histopathology, and electron microscopic ultrastructural changes in liver, kidney and spleen were investigated. Increased alkaline phosphatase activities were observed in all treated mice being statistically significant at higher dose. No changes were observed in the serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and lipid levels. During the first and second weeks of the treatment, effects on the cytoarchitecture of liver, kidney, and spleen were not perceived while during the third and fouth weeks of treatment sporadic mild effects were seen. Ultrastructural electron microscopic changes in liver, kidney, and spleen were not observed for the low-dose group on the first, second, third, and fourth weeks, suggesting that exposure to ZnO nanoparticles at low dose is safe. Long-term (i.e., more than 28 days) exposure to the exceptionally high-dose resulted in sporadic changes in nuclear chromatin condensation, irregular nuclear membrane, polymorphic mitochondria, mitochondrial swelling, and vacuolation. ZnO nanoparticles could be well tolerated and no death occurred in any group of treated mice.     

Effects of Zn and ZnO nanoparticles and Zn2+ on soil enzyme activity and bioaccumulation of Zn in Cucumis sativus

The increased production and commercial use of nanoparticles (NPs), combined with a lack of regulation regarding their disposal, may result in the unwanted introduction of NPs to soils. In this study, the toxicity on soil enzyme activity and growth of Cucumis sativus treated with Zn or ZnO NPs was evaluated in pot soils. Specifically, C. sativus was cultivated in soils treated with Zn NPs, ZnO NPs or Zn²⁺ for eight weeks, after which the treatment effects on biomass and bioaccumulation were evaluated. In addition, the treatment effects on soil dehydrogenase, β -glucosidase and acid phosphatase were investigated. Soil enzyme activities were influenced by all treatments, with an especially large decrease in dehydrogenase activity in response to Zn²⁺ treatment. Biomass and root length also decreased in response to Zn²⁺ treatment. Finally, the Zn contents of C. sativus were much lower in the Zn NP and ZnO NP treatment groups than in the Zn²⁺ treatment group. Therefore, toxicity on soil microbial activity may have a greater influence than phytotoxicity due to immobilisation and aggregation of NPs in the soil.     

ZnO薄膜光电催化降解乙酰甲胺磷

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了ZnO薄膜,并通过光电流响应、EIS、SEM、XRD等分析方法对其光电化学性能、表面形貌和结构进行表征.以制备的ZnO薄膜为工作电极对乙酰甲胺磷进行光电催化降解.实验表明,ZnO薄膜电极在UV照射下能够有效地光电催化降解乙酰甲胺磷,加入适量H2O2后具有一定的协同作用.在H2O2浓度为9.908 mmol.L-1,外加电压为1.2 V,支持电解液Na2SO4浓度为0.01 mol.L-1,溶液pH值为5.4的条件下,对0.1 mmol.L-1的乙酰甲胺磷180 min的降解率可达到89.6%.     

Photocatalytic activity of ZnO films with micro-grid structure

A layer of zinc oxide (ZnO) micro-grid was deposited on the surface of ZnO film using the DC reactive magnetron sputtering method and the micro-sphere lithography technique on glass substrates. Samples of this layer were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction showed the high crystallinity of ZnO film and the regular arrangement of the micro-grid. The microgrid ZnO has a lower specular reflection and a higher diffuse reflection, allowing incident light to reflect two or three times to enhance the usage of light. Photocatalytic degradation experiments on methylene blue using both ZnO micro-grid and ordinary film showed that the ZnO micro-grid has better photo-catalytic properties than ordinary film. The ZnO micro-grid enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO film by 28% with a degradation time of 300 min.     

Photocatalytic degradation of phosphamidon using Ag-doped ZnO nanorods

The photocatalytic degradation of the organo-phosphorous pesticide phosphamidon at low concentration in aqueous solution on Ag-doped ZnO nanorods was investigated. Nanosized Ag-doped ZnO rods were synthesized by using a microwave assisted aqueous method. High molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol was used as a stabilizing agent. Composition and structure were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern reveals that ZnO nanorods are of hexagonal wurtzite structure. The average crystallite size calculated from Scherrer's relation was found to be 30?nm. The effects of catalyst loading, pH value, and initial concentration of phosphamidon on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency using Ag-doped ZnO nanorods as a photocatalyst have been discussed. The results revealed that Ag-doped ZnO nanorods with a diameter of 30?nm showed highest photocatalytic activity at a surface density of 1?g?dm^?3. The catalyst doped with 0.2?mol% Ag is effective for the degradation of phosphamidon with visible light. This opens a new possibility to decompose pesticides that are present in wastewater.     

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using ZnO nanorods

Nanosized ZnO rods were synthesized using a microwave-assisted aqueous method. High molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol was used as a stabilizing agent. Size, surface morphology, and structure were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM and TEM images show that ZnO nanorods have diameters of about 50?nm and lengths of a few micrometers. The XRD pattern reveals that ZnO nanorods are of hexagonal wurtzite structure. The average crystallite size calculated from Scherrer's relation was found to be 40?nm. The effects of catalyst loading, pH value, and initial concentration of methyl orange on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency using ZnO nanorods as photocatalyst were discussed. The results revealed that ZnO nanorods with a diameter of 50?nm showed the highest photocatalytic activity at a surface density of 0.2?g?dm^?3.     

ZnO纳米丛的制备及其光催化性能研究

以沉淀法制备了高活性ZnO纳米丛(nanobushes,ZNB),以水热反应制备得到普通ZnO纳米颗粒(nanoparticles,ZNP).利用X射线衍射仪(XRD)、透射电镜(TEM)、扫描电镜(SEM)、比表面积测定仪(BET)和光致发光光谱(PL)等手段对ZNB和ZNP进行了表征,并比较了其光催化活性的差异.在紫外光(λ≤387 nm)照射40 min后ZNB使有机染料罗丹明B(Rhodamine B,RhB)完全褪色,而相同条件下ZNP仅能使RhB褪色53%.通过总有机碳(TOC)的测定,研究了ZnO对RhB深度氧化矿化程度,光照6 h后ZNB对RhB矿化率高达92%,而ZNP对RhB的矿化率只有77%.跟踪测定了光催化降解过程中活性氧化物种相对含量的变化,表明紫外光激发条件下,ZnO光催化反应机理主要涉及羟基自由基(.OH)历程,且ZNB产生活性氧化物种的量高于ZNP.     

Toxicological studies of zinc oxide nanomaterials in rats

In this study, we have evaluated the ability of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to induce pulmonary and extrapulmonary toxicities was examined in rats following intratracheal (IT) instillation. Lungs of rats were instilled IT with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)?+?1% Tween 80, ZnO nanoparticles, carbonyl iron or quartz particles at a dose of 1 or 5?mg?kg^?1 body weight. Following exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, blood samples and organs including lung, liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and brain were collected at 24?h, 1 week, or 1 month of post instillation of nanoparticles and different parameters estimated to assess toxicity. BAL fluid was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to assess pulmonary toxicity. Exposures to ZnO or quartz particles produced transient dose-dependant increase in BAL fluid LDH and ALP activities at all post exposure periods. Blood samples were analyzed for the tissue damage biomarkers to assess extrapulmonary toxicity. Histopathological examination of lung, liver and kidneys revealed dose-dependent degeneration and necrosis which worsened at 1 week post-instillation periods but recovered at 1 month post instillation. Histopathological examination of rat pancreas, heart, and brain exposed to quartz or ZnO particles showed no marked changes. Data suggest the instillation of ZnO nanoparticles produced a greater pulmonary toxicity in rats comparable with quartz; and extrapulmonary toxicities of these ZnO nanoparticles might be due to translocation into liver and kidney.     

Dissolution of zinc oxide nanoparticles in exposure media of algae,daphnia, and fish embryos for nanotoxicological testing

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are being widely investigated in a bioassay due to potential negative effects to biological receptor. The dissolution of metal nanoparticles such as ZnO NPs is crucial to interpret nanotoxicity results because ZnO NPs can release toxic-free ions in exposure media. In the present study, dissolution of ZnO NPs was evaluated in three selected synthetic media for aquatic toxicological testing: Elendt M4 daphnia medium, OECD algal medium, and fish embryo rearing solution. Both media are currently recommended for OECD testing for daphnia and algae. Time-dependent dissolution of ZnO NPs has been investigated in terms of sonication time to be used for the preparation of aqueous NPs suspension, and dissolution time corresponding to exposure period in toxicity testing. Since sonication is widely applied for NPs dispersion in the most of nanotoxicological testing, the emphasis of this study was on the dissolution of NPs as a function of sonication time. We also investigated the concentration-dependent dissolution of ZnO NPs. Our results demonstrated that dissolution of ZnO NPs was significantly affected by sonication and dissolution time, as well as NPs concentration. This study showed that parameters affecting dissolution of ZnO NPs should be considered in nanotoxicological testing.     

载带苯并[a]芘的纳米碳／二氧化硅颗粒引起大鼠氧化应激作用的研究

通过人工制备载带B[a]P的纳米碳(C)和纳米二氧化硅(SiO2)颗粒,采用气管滴注染毒方式,以7.5mg·kg-1(以体重计)的染毒剂量急性染毒大鼠,观察染毒24小时后载带B[a]P的纳米C/SiO2颗粒对机体产生氧化应激损伤的联合毒性效应.结果表明,在急性染毒后大鼠外周血中反映机体脂质过氧化损伤程度指标的丙二醛(MDA)含量表现为染毒组较对照组显著增加(p<0.05),表明纳米颗粒诱发机体发生了氧化应激反应.在急性染毒后各组大鼠肺泡灌洗液中谷胱苷肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)和超氧化物岐化酶(T-SOD)活力与对照组相比显著增加(p<0.05)(载带B[a]P的纳米SiO2组除外);载带B[a]P的纳米SiO2组肺泡灌洗液中GSH-PX活力与对照组相比无显著差异,而与单纯纳米SiO2组和B[a]P组比较显著降低,推测与抗氧化酶的一过性增高有关;载带B[a]P的纳米C组肺泡灌洗液T-SOD活力与其单纯纳米C组和单纯B[a]P组比较显著增加(p<0.05),由此表明载带B[a]P的复合纳米C/SiO2颗粒在致机体氧化损伤效应方面二者存在一定的协同作用.     

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using ZnO/TiO composites

ZnO/TiO₂ composites were synthesized by using the solvothermal method and ultrasonic precipitation followed by heat treatment in order to investigate their photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous suspension under UV irradiation. The composition and surface structure of the catalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The degradation efficiencies of MO at various pH values were obtained. The highest degradation efficiencies were obtained before 30min and after 60min at pH 11.0 and pH 2.0, respectively. A sample analysis was conducted using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry. Six intermediates were found during the photocatalytic degradation process of quinonoid MO. The degradation pathway of quinonoid MO was also proposed.     

2,3,7,8-四氯二苯并二噁英和Aroclor 1254对大鼠睾丸的单独和联合毒性效应

为了探讨2,3,7,8-四氯二苯并二噁英(TCDD)和Aroclor1254对大鼠睾丸的单独和联合毒性效应,采用2×2析因设计将SD大鼠随机分为4组,即对照组、Aroclor1254单独染毒组(10mg·kg-1)、TCDD单独染毒组(10μg·kg-1)和联合染毒组(TCDD10μg·kg-1+Aroclor125410mg·kg-1),每组5只.灌胃染毒,每天1次,连续12d.染毒结束后处死大鼠,称睾丸湿重、检测睾丸组织病理学及睾丸组织脂质过氧化状况.结果表明,各染毒组大鼠的睾丸均呈现毒性效应,表现为睾丸湿重降低,睾丸组织出现明显的病理学改变,丙二醛(MDA)水平升高、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性降低,这些毒性效应多数在联合染毒组表现更为明显.析因分析结果表明TCDD与Aroclor1254对大鼠睾丸的联合毒性效应为相加作用.以上结果提示TCDD与Aroclor1254单独和联合染毒均具有睾丸毒性,且二者的联合效应为相加作用,在对二噁英和PCBs进行环境风险评价时应考虑这种联合作用.     

Preparation and characterization of ZnO/ZnS hybrid photocatalysts via microwave-hydrothermal method

The photocatalytic performance of ZnO/ZnS hybrid nanocomposite was largely higher than that of the mere ZnO or ZnS nanoparticles, but the complicated procedure and misdistribution of final products limited its large-scale productions. The exploration of a novel synthesis route of ZnO/ZnS hybrid photocatalysts with high catalytic performance is becoming a crucial step for the large-scale application of ZnO/ZnS hybrid photocatalytic technique. Preparation and characterization of nanosized ZnO/ZnS hybrid photocatalysts were studied in this paper. The photocatalysts were obtained via microwave-hydrothermal crystallization with the help of sodium citrate. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution (PSD), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results indicated that so-synthesized ZnO/ZnS samples consisted of the high pure cubic (sphalerite) ZnS and hexagonal ZnO nanocrystallines with a narrow particle size distribution. The possible formation mechanisms of ZnO/ZnS nanocrystallines were mainly attributed to the superficially protective effect of citrate. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the ZnO/ZnS photocatalysts exhibited a higher catalytic activity for the degradation of acid fuchsine than other monocomponents.     

Physiological and antioxidative response of Brassica nigra (L.) to ZnO nanoparticles grown in culture media and soil

Abstract

To investigate metal nanoparticle-induced phytotoxicity, Brassica nigra seeds were exposed to 50–1000?mg L^?1 ZnO nanoparticles in culture media and 100–1000?mg kg^?1 in soil. Plant length and weight were adversely affected in culture conditions, but with soil the effect was not significant. Determination of the radical-scavenging potential revealed that soil grown plants were less stressed than plants grown on culture medium. The total antioxidant and reducing power potential of soil grown plants were less variable compared to plants grown on culture medium. Total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations varied in plants, which changed with the nanoparticle’s concentrations in medium and soil. High performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that rutin was the major antioxidative molecule that significantly increased in nanoparticles-stressed B. nigra plants.     

体育场馆内PM_(2.5)暴露对运动大鼠行为学及相关无氧代谢酶活性的影响

通过非暴露式气管滴注法建立损伤模型,按照低、中、高3种剂量细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))进行染毒,以研究不同浓度PM_(2.5)对运动大鼠行为学及部分无氧代谢酶活性的影响。实验选取32只雄性Wistar SPF(specific pathogen free,SPF)大鼠随机分为运动对照组(EC)、高剂量运动组(30 mg·kg~(-1))(HPE)、中剂量运动组(15 mg·kg~(-1))(MPE)、低剂量运动组(7.5 mg·kg~(-1))(LPE),利用卒中指数和神经病学症状评分对大鼠的行为学进行评价,通过酶联免疫法(ELISA)测定大鼠血清、肺泡灌洗液(BALF)以及股四头肌组织中己糖激酶(HK)、丙酮酸激酶(PK)、磷酸果糖激酶(PFK-1)的活性。结果表明,与EC相比,3个剂量暴露组中,卒中指数和神经病学症状评分差异均有统计学意义;LPE、MPE、HPE组各组织中HK、PK、PFK-1活性均下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。综上所述,急性PM_(2.5)暴露可对大鼠行为学产生不利的影响,使大鼠部分组织的无氧代谢酶酶活性降低,影响机体的运动能力。     

运动及不同浓度PM2.5滴注对大鼠糖代谢部分酶活性的影响

为了探讨一次性递增负荷运动及不同浓度细颗粒物(PM2.5)暴露对大鼠己糖激酶(hexokinase,HK)-丙酮酸激酶(pyruvatekinase,PK)及异柠檬酸脱氢酶(isocitratedehydrogenase,IDH)活性影响的机制,将30只雄性Wistar SPF(Specific Pathogen Free,SPF)大鼠随机分为安静(QC)、运动对照组(EC)、低剂量PM2.5+运动组(LPE)、中剂量PM2.5+运动组(MPE)、高剂量PM2.5+运动组(HPE),采用一次性气管滴注染毒后进行递增负荷跑台训练,并通过酶联免疫法(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)测定大鼠血清及肝脏组织HK,PK,IDH活性。结果表明,与安静组相比,运动对照组HK,PK酶活性下降,IDH活性升高,差异有统计学意义(p0.01)。和EC组相比,LPE,MPE,HPE组各组织中HK,PK,IDH活性均下降,差异有统计学意义(p0.05或p0.01)。实验表明,运动可以降低大鼠的HK,PK活性而增强IDH活性;随着浓度的增加,HK,PK,IDH活性与PM2.5暴露剂量具有相关性降低。     

Photocatalytic formation of hydrogen peroxide over highly porous illuminated ZnO and TiO2thin film

The photocatalytic formation of hydrogen peroxide over ZnO and TiO₂thin films has been investigated in aqueous phase in the presence of molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor. These films are highly porous and showed enhanced catalytic activity in the photochemical formation of hydrogen peroxide. The amount of H₂O₂formed during 2 hour light illumination is 4–6 μM and the rates of formation of hydrogen peroxide of both the films are almost comparable. The yield of hydrogen peroxide increases with the increase in irradiation time and a trend of steady state concentration of H₂O₂is observed in the case of TiO₂thin film. Photodissolution of ZnO particles is observed in some extent during the process of prolonged UV light illumination.     

Quantification of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles in wastewater using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

Abstract

The applicability of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry has been examined for determination titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in industrial wastewater samples. The extraction and preconcentration of the nanoparticles were achieved using ligandless ultrasound-assisted surfactant-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. Under optimized conditions, the developed method had limits of detection (LOD) of 2.7?ng L^?1 for Ti and 3.6?ng L^?1 for Zn resulting from dissolved TiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles. The relative standard deviation values for intraday precision were 2.5% and 3.1% for TiO₂ and ZnO, while the interday precision was 4.5% and 5.0%. Percentage recoveries ranging from 98% to 100% were obtained. Finally, the applicability of the method was examined by analyzing spiked samples and wastewater samples collected from textile, cosmetic and paint industries.