Toxicity of silver nanoparticles to Lumbriculus variegatus is a function of dissolved silver and promoted by low sediment pH

Abstract

Toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to benthic organisms is a major concern. The use of AgNPs in industry and consumer products leads to increasing release of AgNPs into the aquatic environment—sediments being the major sink. Effects of sediment pH on the toxicity of AgNPs to benthic oligochaeta Lumbriculus variegatus were studied in a 23‐d toxicity test. Artificially prepared sediments (pH 5 and 7) were spiked with varying concentrations of uncoated AgNP, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐coated AgNP, and silver nitrate (AgNO3) as dissolved Ag reference. Number of individuals and biomass change were used as endpoints for the toxicity. The toxic effects were related to the bioaccessible concentration of dissolved Ag in the sediments, assessed with a 2‐step extraction procedure. The toxicity of 2 AgNPs was similar and greatly enhanced in the acidic sediment. Because the toxic effects were well related to the bioaccessible concentration of dissolved Ag in the sediments, the toxicity of sediment‐associated AgNPs to L. variegatus is suggested to be a function of dissolved Ag rather than a result from NP‐specific modes of toxicity.