In vivo assessment of oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and histological alterations induction in the marine gastropod Stramonita haemastoma exposed to Cr2O3 and Al2O3 nanoparticles

The increased use of nanoparticles (NPs) is expected to raise their presence in the marine ecosystem, which is considered as the final destination of released NPs. This study investigated the toxicity of Cr₂O₃ (42 nm) and Al₂O₃ (38 nm) NPs (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/L) on the digestive glands of Stramonita haemastoma for 7, 14, and 28 days by oxidative stress biomarkers, neurotoxicity indicator assessment, and histological study. Results revealed an imbalance in antioxidants at all periods. Following 7 days, both NPs caused GSH depletion with marked impacts from Al₂O₃. GPx, CAT, and AChE were also decreased with the highest changes induced by Cr₂O₃. Both NPs inducted GSH and GST levels on days 14 and 28, with more effects from Cr₂O₃ exposure. GPx, AChE, and MDA induction were observed on day 28, while MT varied through NPs and time, with imbalanced levels at all periods noticed, SOD was mostly not affected. Histology revealed alterations including necrosis and interstitial deteriorations; quantitative analysis through the histological condition index revealed dose-dependent impacts, with the highest values attributed to Cr₂O₃ exposure. While PCA revealed the co-response of GSH, GST, GPx, CAT, and AchE with separated MT responses. This study reported oxidative stress induction through a multi-biomarkers investigation, neurotoxicity, and histological damages in the digestive gland of S. haemastoma following Cr₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ NPs exposure.