Evaluating DNA damage in earthworms (Eisenia fetida's): toxicological insights from carbon, gold, and silver nanoparticles using enzyme and comet assays.

This study investigates the environmental behavior and toxic effects of synthesized carbon, silver, and gold nanoparticles on soil-dwelling organisms like earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Earthworms are crucial for soil health and ecosystem functioning, and understanding their impact is essential. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effect through enzymatic assay and assess the toxic effects of different concentrations of carbon, silver, and gold nanoparticles in earthworms, focusing on DNA damage via comet assay. Advanced methods such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to synthesize and characterize the nanoparticles, yielding important insights into their structure and behavior. Bioaccumulation was measured using filter paper contact and artificial soil methods to assess how nanoparticles are taken up and accumulate in earthworm tissues. The toxicity tests, including the measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage using the comet assay, revealed the toxic effects of these nanoparticles on earthworms. The study found that green tea waste nanoparticles exhibited the highest toxicity, followed by silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, carbon charcoal nanoparticles, and brick kiln carbon nanoparticles. The control group showed minimal toxicity compared to the nanoparticle-exposed groups. Understanding the toxic effects of nanoparticles on earthworms is crucial for assessing their impact on soil ecosystems. This study adds to the expanding body of information on the toxicity of nanoparticles and emphasizes the need for more research to reduce any possible environmental dangers linked to nanoparticle exposure. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]