Current World Environment

The rapid and widespread application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) across various industrial sectors has raised substantial environmental apprehensions, especially concerning their impact on aquatic ecosystems. In light of these concerns, the current study evaluates the toxicological effects of AgNP exposure on the hematological parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in Labeo rohita, a freshwater fish species of considerable economic importance in aquaculture. To elucidate the interaction of AgNPs along with biological tissues, the nanoparticles characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopic techniques, enabling a detailed analysis of their physicochemical behavior. The experimental design follows a dose-dependent exposure regimen over 21 days. Hematological assessments were performed during this period, focusing on indices such as hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, and WBC count. Concurrently, oxidative stress biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured in hepatic tissues. The findings revealed significant deviations in both hematological and oxidative stress parameters, indicating pronounced cytotoxic effects and oxidative damage induced by AgNPs. These outcomes highlight the urgent necessity for comprehensive ecological risk assessments of nanoparticle pollutants in freshwater environments, particularly to ensure aquatic biodiversity and maintain ecosystem stability.

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