Nano zinc oxide induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, phagocytic alteration, and detoxification response in the coelomocytes of an anecic earthworm of India

Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) is an emerging soil pollutant of industrial origin. The unique physicochemical properties of ZnO NP viz. the bioavailability and subsequent ecotoxicological effects on organisms have made it an ecological concern. Lampito mauritii (Kinberg, 1866) is a common anecic earthworm and is considered as a keystone species of soil ecosystems in India. They are continuously exposed to various environmental toxins during their feeding and other activities. The current study aimed to estimate the immunotoxicological effects of ZnO NP in the coelomocytes, the chief immunoeffector cells of L. mauritii. The results of the study indicated decreased total count, phagocytic activity, antioxidative, and detoxifying potential of the coelomocytes in L. mauritii at 7 and 14 days of exposure. ZnO NP exposure resulted in the generation of oxidative molecules, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage within coelomocytes. The higher degree of cytotoxicity on ZnO NP exposure was suggestive of immunocompromisation in L. mauritii. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) guided methodology was also utilized in estimating the comprehensive effects of ZnO NP on the health of L. mauritii. The present study would provide useful information on the ZnO NP induced chemical stress in L. mauritii, with the selected endpoints having the potential to function as markers for ZnO NP toxicity. [Display omitted] •ZnO NP shifted density, oxidative and detoxifying status of coelomocytes.•High ROS generation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage by ZnO NP•ZnO NP inhibited phagocytosis of latex beads.•IBR index indicated higher ZnO NP toxicity in long span exposure.