Embryotoxicity evaluation of iron oxide Fe2O3 on land snails: Helix aspersa

Abstract

In order to evaluate an ecotoxicological approach to assessing toxicological effects caused by iron oxide powder (Fe2O3) nanoparticles, we conducted a bioassay with helix as a biological model since the species is considered bioaccumulator and bioindicator of pollution. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the embryonic stage of Helix aspersa with different concentrations (1.25mg/ml, 1.5mg/ml, and 2mg/ml). Results reveal a deformation of the egg membrane and accumulation of this molecule at the back of the egg. We have also noted a low rate of hatching in 12th day, the mortality rate is found to be high at the highest concentration of Fe2O3. This bioassay highlights the toxicity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on eggs of land snail: Helix aspersa.