Copper oxide nanoparticle and copper sulfate induced impairment of innate immune parameters in a common Indian sponge

Abstract The Freshwater ecosystem of India supports a wide range of invertebrates including Eunapius carteri, a common variety of sponge. Copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate are less studied industrial toxins which accumulate in natural waterbodies and affect the physiology of sponge. Flagellary mode of feeding and porous architecture facilitate the entry of these contaminants into the body of the sponge. Current experimental endpoints included phagocytic response, lysosomal membrane stability, generation of reactive oxygen species, superoxide anion, nitric oxide and activities of phosphatases, lysozyme, phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase in E. carteri exposed separately to these toxins for 7 and 14 days. Treatment with both toxins for 14 d resulted in inhibition in phagocytosis, pro and antioxidation defense response of sponge. Copper oxide nanoparticle exposure led to an increase in generation of reactive oxygen species. Both the toxins depleted lysosomal membrane stability and activities of lysozyme and phosphatases. Unrestricted contamination of freshwater ecosystem by copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate may lead to a state of physiological stress and immunocompromisation in E. carteri, a neglected aquatic bioresource of India. Selected experimental endpoints may be considered as biomarkers of aquatic toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulfate.