Graphene is a 2-dimensional nanomaterial with unique mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties. With increasing applications of graphene-family nanomaterials (GFNs) in electronics, biomedicine, and surface coatings, concern for their impacts on aquatic ecosystems is rising. Current information on the toxicity of GFNs, including graphene oxide, is scarce. Filter-feeding bivalves, such as eastern oysters, are good models for nanomaterial exposure studies. The authors present results from a 72-h static renewal oyster study using 1 and 10 mg/L graphine oxide, which is the first report on in vivo effects of graphine oxide exposures in marine bivalves. Water samples were analyzed for graphine oxide concentration and size assessments. The results indicate that short-term graphine oxide exposures can induce oxidative stress and epithelial inflammation and adversely affect overall oyster health.
