Multi-regression models to describe some effective parameters in the acute toxicity of silver nanoparticles on the Artemia franciscana

The increasing use of consumer products containing nanomaterials (NMs) or utilizing nanotechnology has raised concerns about potential environmental risks associated with NMs. The toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in saltwater microcrustaceans, specifically Artemia franciscana, was investigated in this study. This study focused on the key factors of AgNPs concentration and exposure time. To evaluate toxicity, instar I Artemia nauplii were exposed to various concentrations of AgNPs (ranging from 0 to 10 mg/L) following the ISO/TS 20787 guideline. Immobilization rates were recorded at 12, 24, and 48 h post-exposure, and the Probit test was used for the statistical analysis. The results indicated significant toxicity to Artemia with an EC₅₀ value of 4.18 mg/L after 48 hours. Significant relationships were found between immobility and the variables (exposure time and AgNPs concentration) through the use of multiple regression analysis for immobilization. The model explained a high percentage of immobilization variation (R-squared value: 97.74%). The study emphasizes the importance of 'exposure time' and 'concentration' in determining toxicity. The interaction effect between the parameters (concentration and exposure time) was significant. AgNPs concentration had a greater impact on increasing Artemia immobility compared to the exposure time. However, whether the same ranking applies to chronic toxicity or other organisms besides Artemia is uncertain. Understanding the relationship between exposure to NPs and their toxicity is crucial for the safe development of nanotechnology. Future research should address these questions to provide further insights and enable environmentally responsible risk assessments of AgNPs.