Titanium (IV) oxide anatase nanoparticles as vectors for diclofenac: assessing the antioxidative responses to single and combined exposures in the aquatic macrophyte Egeria densa

Titanium dioxide, frequently used in commonplace products, is now regularly detected in aquatic environments. Understanding its toxic effects on native biota is essential. However, combined toxicity with commonly occurring pollutants, such as the pharmaceutical diclofenac, may provide more insight into environmental situations. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of titanium dioxide and diclofenac, individually and combined, on the macrophyte Egeria densa. Diclofenac uptake and removal by the macrophyte were assessed. Diclofenac and titanium dioxide were mixed prior to exposure to allow binding, which was assessed. Toxicity of the individual compounds and the combination was evaluated by assaying enzymes as bioindicators of biotransformation and the antioxidative system. Cytosolic glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities were increased by diclofenac, titanium dioxide, and the combination. Both enzymes’ activities were more significantly elevated by diclofenac and the combination than nanoparticles alone. Microsomal glutathione S-transferase was unaffected by diclofenac exposure but inhibited with titanium dioxide and the mixture. Diclofenac elicited the most significant response. Based on the data, the cytosolic enzymes effectively prevented damage.