Time-delayed effects of a single application of AgNPs on structure of testes and functions in Blaps polychresta Forskal, 1775 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently themost frequently used engineered nanoparticles. The penetration of AgNPs into ecosystems is undeniable, and their adverse effects on organismreproduction are of fundamental importance for ecosystem stability. In this study, the survival time of the Egyptian beetle Blaps polychresta Forskal, 1775 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), after a single application of 7 different doses,was calculated for 30 days. Then, for the group for which the effect on mortality was calculated as LOAEL - the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level, namely, 0.03 mg AgNPs/g body weight (b.w.t.), the following were assessed: structure and ultrastructure of gonads by TEM and SEM, cell viability by cytometry, DNA damage by the comet assay, and a variety of stress markers by spectrophotometric methods. A dose-dependent reduction in the survival time of the insects was