Physiological Transformation in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) via Silver Nanoparticle Diets: Growth and Health Assessment
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 3 (September 2026) pp. 93-103
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FESEM, EDAX, FT-IR, and Zeta potential analysis. 1,2,3,4 and 5mg of chemically synthesized nanoparticles were incorporated into fish meal, groundnut oil cake, wheat flour, and tapioca flour. Feed utilization and growth parameters of Zebrafish, such as Feed Consumption, Feed Conversion Ratio, Feed Conversion Efficiency, Growth, Assimilation, Metabolism, Gross Growth Efficiency, and Net Growth Efficiency, and Haematological parameters of zebrafish, such as total RBC, Hb, Hct, WBC, and total platelets, were estimated. Biochemical parameters including protein, carbohydrate and lipid were evaluated to determine physiological and metabolic responses. Digestive enzyme activities, including amylase, protease, and lipase, were analyzed to assess digestion efficiency after a 21-day experimental study. The UV-Visible absorption spectra were measured in the wavelength range between 300 to 700nm and exhibited a strong absorption peak at 423nm. FESEM analysis revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles. The EDAX spectrum showed two peaks, located between 0.2 keV and 3KeV. FT-IR analysis in the wavelength range from 500-4000cm-1 identified functional groups responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles. XRD analysis showed distinct diffraction peaks at 23.98°, 28.62°, 37.89°,46.49°, 64.66°, and 77.57°, confirming the crystalline nature, phase purity, and high crystallinity of the synthesized AgNPs. Zeta potential analysis revealed a surface charge of -32.1 mV, indicating excellent colloidal stability. All the feed utilization parameters were higher in feed IV. All the haematological, biochemical, and digestive enzymes were enhanced at Feed IV (3mg) supplementation levels.
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Reference
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