Gold nanoparticles are intensively studied in biomedicine. Evaluation of their biocompatibility is highly important. In aquatic systems, microalgae, being the primary producers, are the base of the trophic webs. They are the first target for most of the pollutants present in the medium. To study the toxicity of ionic and colloidal gold on the saltwater microalga Dunaliella salina. To describe several physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials that affect their toxicological efficiency.
