Search

Lead nanoparticles (NPs) are released into air from metal processing, road transport or combustion processes. Inhalation exposure is therefore very likely to occur. However, even though the effects of bulk lead are well known, there is limited knowledge regarding impact of Pb NPs inhalation. This study focused on acute and subchronic exposures to lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO NPs). Mice were exposed to PbO NPs in whole body inhalation chambers for 4-72 h in acute experiment (4.05 × 10

Effects of cyanobacterial toxins microcystin-LR and -RR on growth of five representatives of Chlorophyta (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella kesslerii, Pediastrum duplex, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Scenedesmus quadricauda) and cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanophyta) were investigated in the concentration range 1–25,000 μg l−1 using microplate assays (evaluated after 4, 7 and 11 days). Our results demostrate different susceptibility of several planktonic organisms to microcystins. In some species (C. reinhardtii, C. kesslerii, P. duplex, M. aeruginosa), microcystin-RR induced more pronounced effects on growth than structural variant microcystin-LR. However, environmentally relevant concentrations of microcystins (1–10 μg l−1) did not cause significant growth alterations. Also, concentrations 100–5000 μg l−1 were ineffective in most tested species with the exception of P. subcapitata. Growth of P. subcapitata was strongly inhibited at concentrations of microcystin-LR or -RR ≥ 100...