EVALUATION OF TOXICITY OF SiO2, HfO2 AND FULLERENE IN STANDARDIZED ACUTE TOXICITY TESTS

In this study the mortalities, effective concentration affecting the half of the bacteria number (EC50 values, biodegradation and bioccumulation studies were performed to determine the acute toxicity of SiO2, HfO2 and fullerene-C-60 nanoparticles on bacteria (Vibrio fisheri and E.coli), water flea (Daphnia magna), yeast (Candida sp.) and fungi (Aspergillus sp.). Similar incresing nanoparticle concentrations (1,2,4,6,10,15,25 and 40 mg/l)were used to determine the SiO2, HfO2 and fullerene acute toxicities. Higher EC50 values in Daphnia magna, Candida sp. and Aspergillus sp exhibited lower acute toxicity and resistance of these organism to the aforementioned nanoparticles. Lower EC50 values in Vibrio fisheri and E.coli showed higher acute toxicity and sensitivity of these organism to the aforementioned nanoparticles. The most toxic nanoparticle was found to be fullerene while the lowest toxic nanoparticle was found to be HfO2