Abstract

Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nTiO(2)) is frequently applied, raising concerns about potential side effects on the environment. While various studies have assessed structural effects in aquatic model ecosystems, its impact on ecosystem functions provided by microbial communities (biofilms) is not well understood. This is all the more the case when considering additional stressors, such as UV irradiation - a factor known to amplify nTiO(2)-induced toxicity. Using pairwise comparisons, we assessed the impact of UV (UV-A = 1.6 W/m(2); UV-B = 0.7 W/m(2)) at 0, 20 or 2000 mu g nTiO(2)/L on two ecosystem functions provided by leaf-associated biofilms: while leaf litter conditioning, important for detritivorous invertebrate nutrition, seems unaffected, microbial leaf decomposition was stimulated (up to 25%) by UV, with effect sizes being higher in the presence of nTiO(2). Although stoichiometric and microbial analyses did not allow for uncovering the underlying mechanism, it seems plausible that the combination of a shift in biofilm community composition and activity together with photodegradation as well as the formation of reactive oxygen species triggered changes in leaf litter decomposition. The present study implies that the multiple functions a microbial community performs are not equally sensitive. Consequently, relying on one of the many functions realized by the same microbial community may be misleading for environmental management.

Keywords

Nanomaterials; Semi-conductor; Trophic interaction; Ecological effects; Food selection

Published in

Environmental Science and Pollution Research
2021, Volume: 28, number: 36, pages: 49550-49558
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

SLU Authors

• Bundschuh, Mirco

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • University of Koblenz-Landau

Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14090-3

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/113875