Implications of Metal Nanoparticles on Aquatic Fauna: A Review

Introduction: Nanomaterials are attractive because of these exhibits catalytic activity, optical, magnetic, electrically conducting properties and biological activities. Besides the potential economic values, the benefits offered by nanomaterials are expected to have significant impacts on almost all sectors of our society. The industries are releasing the nanoparticles into nearby water bodies like ponds, rivers, which causes toxicity to aquatic flora as well as fauna. Nanoparticles, especially which are prepared using heavy metals being toxic to organisms, ranging from phytoplankton (at the bottom of the food chain) to marine invertebrates such as oysters, snails and different types of fish, especially in their immature stages. Many species of fish and shellfish disrupts the ecosystem health on exposure to metals nanoparticles. Albeit, the academicians and researchers are trying to understand the toxicity of metal nanoparticles, particularly with respect to cascade pathways that lead to inflammatory responses, there is need to prepare and urgent implement laws to manage potential risks of nanomaterials which might become a major catastrophe in coming future. Conclusion: In the present review, the emphasis has given on the synthesis, characterization and toxic effects of metal nanoparticles on aquatic fauna and also the future tremendous prospects of these toxicants.