Authors : Neha Rajan Thekkadavan; Anjana M. S.; Remya Varadarajan

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5cwuz8wu

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mrvpaesv

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2111

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Abstract : The increasing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in commercial and biomedical applications has raised concerns regarding their uncontrolled release into aquatic environments and potential risks to freshwater organisms. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize citrate-stabilized AgNPs and evaluate their ecotoxicological effects in fish model Poecilia reticulata. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and TEM, confirming spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 12–45 nm and a surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm. Acute toxicity was assessed through a 96-hour semi-static assay, yielding an LC50 value of 1.12 mg/L. Sublethal exposure (0.36 mg/L for 21 days) resulted in significant behavioral alterations, including erratic swimming and reduced activity. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent damage in gill and liver tissues, including lamellar fusion and hepatocellular necrosis. Bioaccumulation studies confirmed the uptake of silver in muscle tissues. Overall, these findings demonstrate that citrate-coated AgNPs induce multi-organ toxicity in freshwater fish and highlight the need for stricter environmental monitoring and regulation of nanoparticle discharge.

Keywords : Silver Nanoparticles; Citrate-Coated; Ecotoxicity; Poecilia Reticulata; Freshwater Fish; Histopathology.

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