Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Kelly Ronald, Biology; Dr. Natalia Gonzalez-Pech, Chemistry
Document Type
Poster
Event Date
4-12-2024
Abstract
Air pollution (including particulate matter, PM) has increased as a result of a dramatic increase in urbanization. Nanoparticles within PM can be detrimental to health when inhaled., because they are small enough to bypass the blood-brain and blood-gas barriers, and can potentially accumulate in organs within the organism. For example, previous work has linked bioaccumulation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPS) to cancer and organ poisoning. Interestingly, in model organisms, nanoparticle exposure has also been linked to hearing deficits, suggesting that decline in hearing may be an early bioindicator of future health consequences. While the specific mechanism for this hearing deficit is unknown, there could potentially be a link between IONP bioaccumulation and hearing sensitivity. This project aims to determine the effects of IONPs on the auditory physiology and the bioaccumulation of iron in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). House sparrows are an ideal model because of their prevalence around human development, complex social cues, and unique respiratory structures. To test the effect of IONPs on auditory physiology, an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was conducted before and after exposure to either an IONP solution or Milli-Q water as the control variable. In order to determine iron content, organs were then collected and iron content was determined via inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. Preliminary data have been analyzed and the testing indicates that there is not a significant difference in the ABR testing or iron contents of the organs, but we are hopeful that with chronic exposure testing and more trials, those differences may become more apparent. These results will shed light on the role of air pollution on the physiological changes of avian species. Furthermore, by studying avian species, we can potentially understand the impact on the larger ecosystem.
Recommended Citation
Repository citation: Johnston, Shae; Hallemann, Peyton; and Sprys-Tellner, Olivia, "Implications of Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Exposure on the Auditory Physiology and Iron Bioaccumulation in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)" (2024). 23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024). Paper 44.
https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/curca_23/44
April 12, 2024. Copyright © 2024 Hope College, Holland, Michigan.
Comments
This work was supported by the Jacob E. Nyenhuis Faculty Development Grant, Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Scholarship Foundation, and the Wettack Fellowship. This work is also funded in part by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under award number 80NSSC20M0124, Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) and by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2217870.