Impact of Zn Nanoparticles on Growth, Survival and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Eisenia Fetida

Biotesting of nanomaterials assumes greater significance and includes various biological models. The research objective is to study the influence of different concentrations of nanoparticles (NP) of Zinc (Zn) on propagation, survival and activity of antioxidatic enzymes of metal in Eisenia fetida in artificial soil (AS) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Zn nanoparticles in size of 90.7±0.3 nМ, Z-potential 25±0,5мV have been used for the analysis. Artificial soil and microcrystalline cellulose were used as substrates for the study. Zn nanoparticles in high concentrations (from 500 to 1000 mg/kg) cause immobilization of 60% of earthworms within 24 hours. The highest accumulation of metal in earthworms and high mortality were registered at a concentration of 500 mg/kg in microcrystalline cellulose and at 1000 mg/kg in artificial soil. It was established that after the increase in concentration from 50 to 500 mg/kg the activity of GPx and SOD in two substrates increases. The highest activity occurs when Zn nanoparticles have concentration of 500 mg/kg. The activity of catalase in worms reduced at the exposition in MCC, but it increased after increasing dosage of Zn NPs in the artificial soil. The study demonstrates that Zn nanoparticles in dose of 500 mg/kg induced the highest toxical effect.  It was proven by behavioral reactions, growth characteristics and indices of enzymatic activity in organism of redworm. Based on the obtained data, substrate from microcrystalline cellulose can be used as experimental.