Exposure of adult sand dollars (Scaphechinus mirabilis) (Agassiz, 1864) to copper oxide nanoparticles induces gamete DNA damage.

The increase in the number of products containing nanoparticles (NPs) poses a real threat to the environment. Recently, more evidence has been added to predictive models about the presence of NPs in various natural and anthropogenic systems. The acute toxicity of most aquatic NPs has now been well documented. However, data such as the ecotoxicological significance of the long-lasting effects of NPs on the reproductive system and gamete quality of aquatic organisms are still relatively scarce. Therefore, a 10-day experiment was carried out on the sand dollar Scaphechinus mirabilis (Agassiz, 1864) exposed to low (20 and 40 μg/L) concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). An accumulation of copper in tissues and a significant increase in lipid peroxidation product concentrations after exposure to NP were observed. A significant decrease in the fertilization rate was shown at 40 μg/L. No significant changes in embryonic or larval development were found. However, comet analysis results showed a significant increase in DNA damage in spermatozoa exposed to CuO NPs, which may further manifest as negative effects at later developmental stages or in subsequent generations.