An evaluation and comparative study of iron oxide effects in its nano and micron size on earth snails Helix aspersa

Present work was undertaken to assess the toxic effect of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs) and compare their effects on bio-accumulating organisms and bio-indicators of land pollution: Helix aspersa which is a species edible by humans and in direct contact with the environment. The treatment was carried out by increasing doses of NPs and MPs (1mg/g; 2mg/g and 3mg/g of food) in the feed (wheat flour) with a control batch and applied for 4 weeks. Their effects have been studied using a targeted approach in the laboratory, several parameters were tested, the biochemical metabolites (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) and the measurement of some biomarkers of oxidative stress (GSH, GST, GPx and CAT) of the hepatopancreas. The results showed actions in the same way for the two treatments types, first, on the biochemical parameters of metabolites revealed an increase in the level of proteins, carbohydrates and total lipids, while for antioxidants, results revealed triggered oxidative stress and induction of the detoxification system, with increased levels of GSH, GST, GPx and catalase activity. With a slight difference in the degree of impact, it is almost unnoticeable. We can say that the toxicity of iron oxide in its nanoscale is no less severe than its toxicity in the micronscale.