A comparative review of nanomaterial toxicity in freshwater and marine animal species

This review compares engineered nanomaterial (ENM) toxicity in freshwater and marine animals, highlighting how environmental factors and physiological responses jointly shape adverse effects. It synthesises recent research on metal-based and carbonaceous nanoparticles and their impacts on key taxa across both ecosystems. Central toxicological mechanisms - oxidative stress, membrane damage, and genotoxicity - are evaluated considering habitat-specific physicochemical properties such as salinity, ionic strength, and organic matter, which influence nanoparticle transformation, aggregation, and bioavailability. The review examines various exposure routes, adaptive responses, and species sensitivities, underscoring the complexity of cross-ecosystem risk assessment. It identifies critical knowledge gaps and methodological challenges, proposing refined, ecosystem-specific frameworks to improve predictive toxicology and inform regulatory policies for sustainable nanomaterial management in aquatic environments.