title: Integrating classical and molecular approaches to evaluate the impact of nanosized zero-valent iron (nZVI) on soil organisms.
abstract: Nanosized zero-valent iron (nZVI) is a new option for the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, but the effect of nZVI on soil biota is mostly unknown. In this work, nanotoxicological studies were performed in vitro and in two different standard soils to assess the effect of nZVI on autochthonous soil organisms by integrating classical and molecular analysis. Standardised ecotoxicity testing methods using Caenorhabditis elegans were applied in vitro and in soil experiments and changes in microbial biodiversity and biomarker gene expression were used to assess the responses of the microbial community to nZVI. The classical tests conducted in soil ruled out a toxic impact of nZVI on the soil nematode C. elegans in the test soils. The molecular analysis applied to soil microorganisms, however, revealed significant changes in the expression of the proposed biomarkers of exposure. These changes were related not only to the nZVI treatment but also to the soil characteristics, highlighting the importance of considering the soil matrix on a case by case basis. Furthermore, due to the temporal shift between transcriptional responses and the development of the corresponding phenotype, the molecular approach could anticipate adverse effects on environmental biota.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Maria Ludovica
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Saccà
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fajardo
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Gonzalo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca "El Encín" Km 38, 2 A-II Apdo 127, 28800 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lobo
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Mar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nande
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: margamar@vet.ucm.es.
authors.forename: Margarita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation; D060587:Groundwater / Q000032:analysis; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D007501:Iron
keywords: Bacteria; C. elegans; Nanosized zero-valent iron; Soil; Toxicity