Biological and Histopathological Impacts of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Freshwater Clam, Caelatura nilotica, and the Role of Dimercaptosuccinic acid

Given the widespread application of nanomaterials in various domains, Titanium Dioxidetitanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) emerge as a potential ecological concern for aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the impact of TiO₂ NPs on the morphometrics, biometrics, and the histological structure of the digestive gland of the Caelatura nilotica clams, alongside the potential ameliorative effects of the dDimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Clams were continuously exposed to variable concentrations of  TiO₂ NPs (25 and 150 µg/150µg/L) and DMSA (200 µg/200µg/L) for 4 weeks. The results revealed a significant increase in body length, width, height, shell, flesh, and total body weights in response toTiO₂ NPs exposure at the end of the experiment. Histological examination of the digestive gland indicated notable changes, including necrosis, and fibrous tissue formation. Ultrastructural abnormalities includedwere  irregularly shaped and detached secretory and digestive cells. Also,Additionally, there wasdamage to some organelles was detected like, such as Golgi bodies, and disrupted chromatin condensation inside the nuclei of those groups. However, DMSA administration showsshowed a promised mitigation of the adverse effects of TiO₂ NPs, leading to a reduction of the metal accumulation and histological improvements. This study underscoresunderscored the potential use of C. nilotica as a model for assessingTiO₂ NPs toxicity and highlightshighlighted the role of DMSA as a potential therapeutic intervention against nanoparticles induced toxicity.