Effects of Fe2o3 and Co2o3 nanoparticles on Organisms in Freshwater

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) are causing threats to the environment. In this review, we examined how hematite (Fe₂O₃) and cobalt oxide (Co₂O₃) nanoparticles impact the species of freshwater green algae Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris). We exposed laboratory cultures to five initial concentrations of nanoparticles and measured impacts on species in 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hours in Karun River water at 20-25°C. Our results indicated that Fe₂O₃ and Co₂O₃ NPs significantly (dependent on concentration) reduced the chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid contents of algae C. vulgaris compared to the control group (P <0.05). Also, due to the combination of these two nanoparticles, Co₂O₃ (50 Fe₂O₃ +100 Co₂O₃) has a more negative effect on algae chlorophyll change. According to the data, the exposure concentration was also found to be a more effective factor in the Chlorophyll content in algae species as compared to the exposure time. Our study suggests this nanoparticle has potential to affect aquatic life and ecosystem properties of freshwater habitats.