Effect of Copper and Silver Nanoparticles on Trunk Muscles in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792)

Nanotechnology has been developing rapidly for the last 20 years. Silver and copper nanoparticles are commonly used in various industries. Popularization of nanoparticles (NPs) led to increase of their concentration in the aquatic environment. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effects of nanoparticle contamination on fish growth. In this study, to define nanoparticles impact on juvenile freshwater fish survivalability and growth, rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) were treated with silver (AgNPs) or copper (CuNPs) nanoparticles suspended in water. During the experiment body weight and length were measured. After the treatment trunk muscle tissue was sampled for histological and genetic analysis. The highest mortality and the lowest body weight was observed in juvenile rainbow trout treated CuNPs. Histological analysis showed disruptions in muscle structure in both experimental groups. Differences between AgNPs and CuNPs were observed in expression of genes associated with the growth of muscle tissue. These results indicate that metallic nanoparticles can affect growth and survivability of juvenile freshwater fish.