Abstract
In recent decades, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are progressively being used in various applications, nevertheless, their environment-based toxicity studies remain deficient. Hence this article shows the toxicity analysis of AgNPs synthesized from Nocardiopsis flavascens RD30 on Chloroccocum humicola, Artemia salina and Swiss albino mouse. AgNPs were extracellularly synthesized from N. flavascens RD30 extract with sunlight irradiation and the synthesized AgNPs were roughly spherical in shape, with the size range between 5 and 50 nm. Further, the toxicity study on green algae proves that, at 50 mu g AgNPs concentration, there was no effect on C. humicola, however, increasing the concentration lead to the cell aggregation which is proposed as a defense mechanism by the algal populations. Similarly, in the case of A. salina, the mortality increased with the increasing concentration of AgNPs, wherein abnormalities such as the improper development of mandibles and underdeveloped endopod and endite were observed in concentrations 60 and 70 mu g/mL. Finally, the oral toxicity of AgNPs was evaluated in the mouse model which is portrayed through serum biochemistry and histopathological observations of vital organs. There was no major effect on the liver function in the treated mice, while the negligible reaction was observed in kidneys and intestine of the mice treated with AgNPs after 10 days of oral exposure. Overall results indicate that the biogenic AgNPs are less/non-hazardous to the phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and higher animals when released at a minimal concentration and it could be possibly used in human and environmental applications.