Dataset for: Route of exposure has a major impact on uptake of silver nanoparticles in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The potential impact of Ag nanoparticles on aquatic organisms is to a large extent determined by their bioavailability through different routes of exposure. In the present study juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were exposed to different sources of radiolabeled Ag (radiolabeled 110mAg nanoparticles and 110mAgNO3). After 48 h waterborne exposure to 3 µg/L citrate stabilized 110mAg nanoparticles or 110mAgNO3, or a dietary exposure to 0.6 mg Ag/kg fish (given as citrate stabilized or uncoated 110mAg nanoparticles, or 110mAgNO3), Ag had been taken up in fish regardless of route of exposures and source of Ag (Ag nanoparticles or AgNO3). Waterborne exposure led to high Ag concentrations on the gills, and dietary exposure to high concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract. Silver distribution to the target organs was similar for both dietary and waterborne exposure, with liver as the main target organ. The accumulation level of Ag was 2-3 times higher for AgNO3 than for Ag nanoparticles when exposed through water, whereas dietary exposure led to no significant differences. The transfer (Bq/g liver/g food or water) from exposure through water was four orders of magnitude higher than from feed using the smallest, citrate stabilized Agnanoparticles (4 nm). The smallest nanoparticles had a five times higher bioavailability in food compared to the larger and uncoated Ag nanoparticles (20 nm). Despite the relatively low transfer of Ag from diet to fish, the short lifetime of Ag nanoparticles in water and transfer to sediment, feed or sediment dwelling food sources such as larvae and worms, could make diet a significant long-term exposure route.