Transferência de nanopartículas de óxido de cério para via dieta artificial

Abstract

Nanoparticles of cerium oxide (nano-CeO2) due to their extensive technological applications in cosmetics industries, degradation of organic compounds, food processing and packaging, disinfection and nanomedicine have raised concern about its effects on the environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of nano-CeO2 on biological and nutritional characteristics of Spodoptera frugiperda after dietary exposure. Nano-CeO2 (1, 10, 100 and 1000 mg Ce L -1 ), micro-CeO2 (1000 mg Ce L -1 ), Ce(NO3)4 (1000 mg Ce L -1 ) and water (control) were incorporated into the artificial diet and offered to caterpillars. Biological variables were evaluated in the first generation, in which the nano-CeO2 was exposed and in the second generation, without exposure. Cerium detection analyzes were performed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Nutritional indices were determined using the gravimetric method. Cerium was detected in the caterpillars that fed micro-CeO2, Ce(NO3)4 and nano-CeO2 (10, 100 and 1000 mg L -1 ), as well as in feces of caterpillars that ingested nano-CeO2 at 1000 mg L -1 . There was also presence of cerium in the eggs of S. frugiperda from caterpillars exposed to nano-CeO2 (1000 mg L -1 ), proving the transfer of Ce in form of nanoparticles between generations. Caterpillars that fed nano-CeO2 and Ce(NO3)4 presented lower pupal weights and egg viability was reduced with the addition of nanoCeO2 (100 mg L -1 ). In addition, pupae weight reduction was observed in the second generation of S. frugiperda, confirming the transgenerational effect in nano-CeO2 and Ce(NO3)4. It was verified that in the diets with nano-CeO2 addition, changes in nutritional parameters occurred. The present study produced information associated with the effects of nano-CeO2 on an invertebrate species present in the agricultural environment, the main route of environmental exposure for nano-CeO2, providing perspectives for new studies with this and other pest species.