Long-term effects of tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticles in pelagic and benthic aquatic ecosystems

Abstract

As the production and usage of nanomaterials are increasing so are the concerns related to the release of the material into nature. Tungsten carbide (WC) is widely used for its hard metal properties, although its use, in for instance tyre studs, may result in nano-sized particles ending up in nature. Here, we evaluate the potential long-term exposure effects of WC nanoparticles on a pelagic (Daphnia magna) and a benthic (Asellus aquaticus) organism. No long-term effects were observed in the benthic system with respect to population dynamics or ecosystem services. However, long-term exposure of D. magna resulted in increased time to first reproduction and, if the particles were resuspended, strong effects on survival and reproductive output. Hence, the considerable differences in acute vs. long-term exposure studies revealed here emphasize the need for more long-term studies if we are to understand the effects of nanoparticles in natural systems.

Keywords:

• Tungsten carbide; nanoparticles; Daphnia magna; Asellus aquaticus; nanotoxicology

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Martin Lundqvist for input regarding the calculation of particle settling times.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work is performed within the framework of the Mistra Environmental Nanosafety program. Financial support from Mistra is greatly acknowledged. This work also received support from the Centre for Animal Movement Research (CAnMove) financed by a Linnaeus grant (349-2007-8690) from the Swedish Research Council and Lund University, and from the Swedish Research Council (VR to LAH; 2016-03552).