Accumulation and Distribution of Nanoparticles (Al2O3, CuO, and TiO2) in Tissues of Freshwater Mussel (Uniotigridis)

Freshwater mussels are used as an effective bioindicator of metal pollution. There is no data on the accumulation of any metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in tissues of Uniotigridis. Thus, this study was undertaken to investigate accumulation of Al2O3, CuO, and TiO2 NPs following exposure to different concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 9 mg/L) of NPs for 14 days. Metal concentrations in tissues were determined by ICP-MS, while NP presence was demonstrated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. During the experiments, mussels were fed with cultured algae (Chlorellavulgaris). TEM images demonstrated the presence of NPs in digestive gland and muscle. TEM images also suggested that NPs were taken via the lysosomes or endosomes. Highest mean concentrations (mu g/g d.w.) of aluminium (76.51), copper (111.63) and titanium (113.83) occurred in the gills and followed by the digestive glands and muscles. Algae consumption of mussels did not significantly differ among controls and NP-exposed groups.