Document Type
Dissertation
Disciplines
1.6 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 3. MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Abstract
This thesis focuses on studying a series of standardised OECD tests used to check a nano plastic dispersal into a freshwater environment to assess acute toxicity. The experimentation also focused on using additional validation tests in conjunction with these acute toxicity tests to attempt to discern possible chronic effects from this nano plastic. The current research analyses the effects of fluorescent 100 nm diameter nano-polystyrene spheres (NPS) as a representative MNP particle. The NPS were examined for their stable fluorescence emission in all test media and all NPS concentrations utilised in the study. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis was run to determine if the NPS would aggregate in all media. Raman spectroscopy was conducted on NPS to provide a “fingerprint” spectrum for optimal detection of the particles in test organisms. Algal Growth Inhibition (GI) testing of Raphidocelis subcapitata by exposure to a range of 0-100 mg/L NPS over 72 hours reduced the algal cell concentration by up to 33.7%. Florescence imaging from confocal microscopy demonstrated then NPS interacted with the algal cells and became agglomerated to their cell Florescence imaging from confocal microscopy demonstrated then NPS interacted with the algal cells and became agglomerated to their cell walls. Raman spectroscopy was attempted to distinguish key polystyrene signals from the algal spectrum produced but was unsuccessful as native organic compounds in the algae saturated the polystyrene fingerprint peaks.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21427/8swp-yd60
Recommended Citation
Reynolds, Andrew, "Standardized Analysis of Morphology & Toxicology Effects in Freshwater Organisms to Nano-polystyrene Exposure (SAMTEFONE)" (2019). Doctoral. 285.
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/sciendoc/285
Creative Commons License
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Publication Details
Thesis submitted to the Technological University Dublin in partial fulfilment for the degree of: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Thesis, Technological University Dublin, 2019.