author(s)
Sana Besnaci, Samira Bensoltane, Fatma Moulka Hadjira Braia, Labiba Zerari, Sihem Khadri, Hawa Loucif

abstract
In order to evaluate an ecotoxicological approach to assessing toxicological effects caused by iron oxide powder (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles, we conducted a bioassay with helix as a biological model since the species is considered bioaccumulator and bioindicator of pollution. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on the embryonic stage of Helix aspersa with different concentrations (1.25mg/ml, 1.5mg/ml, and 2mg/ml). Results reveal a deformation of the egg membrane and accumulation of this molecule at the back of the egg. We have also noted a low rate of hatching in 12^th day, the mortality rate is found to be high at the highest concentration of Fe₂O₃. This bioassay highlights the toxicity of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on eggs of land snail: Helix aspersa.