Advanced analytical methodologies for characterizing inorganic nanoparticles and assessing their impact on the aquaculture sector

Abstract

Nanomaterials, mainly inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), have brought about a revolution at the scientific and industrial level due to their outstanding physicochemical properties. The widespread use of NPs has raised concerns about their potential impact into the environment and, consequently, the risk to humans. Toxicological studies are therefore required to assess the threats associated to these emerging pollutants. This doctoral thesis presents several nanometrological tools to face the challenge of improving the detection, characterization, and quantification of NPs in complex samples. The developed applications were focused on aquaculture products by assessing the potential effects from NPs on the cultured fish and shellfish species.