The Potential Use of Orange and Banana Peels to Minimize the Toxicological Effects of Silver Nanoparticles in Oreochromis Niloticus

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of orange peels (OP) and banana peels (BP) in reducing the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), Oreochromis niloticus were exposed to Ag-NPs, Ag-NPs + OP, and Ag-NPs + BP for 24, 48, and 96 h. Time-dependent toxicological impacts of Ag-NPs were recorded. The maximum Ag accumulation was in hepatic and renal tissues after 96 h. A marked decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit ratio, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was observed after 48 and 96 h of Ag-NPs exposure. Silver accumulation resulted in severe histological alterations (ex: congestion, vacuolization, and necrotic degeneration) in gills, livers, and kidneys. The adsorptive capacity of both peels could reduce the bioavailability of Ag-NPs as indicated by decreased Ag content in tissues, insignificant change in the hematological parameters with control groups, and regressive histological alterations based on the frequency of alterations’ existence and the extent of affected parts.