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Effects of Micronized and Nano-Copper Azole on Marine Benthic Communities
Citation:
Ho, K., L. Portis, A. Chariton, M. Pelletier, M. Cantwell, D. Katz, M. Cashman, A. Parks, J. Baguley, N. Conrad-Forrest, W. Boothman, T. Luxton, S. Simpson, S. Fogg, AND R. Burgess. Effects of Micronized and Nano-Copper Azole on Marine Benthic Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Pensacola, FL, 37(2):362-375, (2018).
Impact/Purpose:
Information gaps on the effects of copper nanomaterials (CUNMs) in aquatic environments exist, particularly in marine environments. Our objective was to determine the risks of micronized copper azole to marine meio- and macrobenthic communities using a novel exposure method that evaluates intact benthic communities. Results indicate that CuNMs change the benthic community of both macro and meio- fauna on par with dissolved copper concentrations. Findings of this investigation indicate CuNMs represent a source of risk to marine benthic communities comparable to dissolved copper and requires further study.
Description:
The widespread use of copper nanomaterials (CuNMs) as antibacterial and antifouling agents in consumer products increases the risk for metal contamination and adverse effects in aquatic environments. Information gaps exist on the potential toxicity of CuNMs in marine environments. We exposed field-collected marine meio- and macrobenthic communities to sediments spiked with micronized copper azole (MCA) using a novel method that brings intact benthic cores into the laboratory and exposes the organisms via surface application of sediments. Treatments included field and laboratory controls, 3 spiked sediments: low-MCA (51.9 mg/kg sediment), high-MCA (519 mg/kg sediment), and CuSO4 (519 mg/kg sediment). In addition, single-species acute testing was performed with both MCA and CuSO4. Our results indicate that meio- and macrofaunal assemblages exposed to High-MCA and CuSO4 treatments differed significantly from both the laboratory control and the low-MCA treatments. Differences in macrofauna were driven by decreases in 3 Podocopa ostracod species, the bivalve Gemma gemma, and the polychaetes Exogone verugera and Prionospio heterobranchia relative to the laboratory control. Differences in the meiofaunal community are largely driven by nematodes. The benthic community test results were more sensitive than the single-species test results. Findings of this investigation indicate that CuNMs represent a source of risk to marine benthic communities comparable to that of dissolved Cu.
