This review aims to (i) provide a current overview of the main characteristics of SiNP (physical and chemical properties, applications, and emissions), (ii) evaluate the scientific production up to date concerning SiNP, with focus on their toxic effects, through a bibliometric analysis, (iii) describe the main toxic mechanisms of SiNP, (iv) assess the current knowledge about ecotoxicity of SiNP on aquatic organisms (marine and freshwater), and (v) identify the main gaps in the knowledge of SiNP toxicity from an environmentally point of view. The scientific production of SiNP concerning their chemical and physical characteristics has increased exponentially. However, little information is available regarding their ecotoxicity. Particle functionalization is a key factor that reduces SiNP toxicity. Most of the studies employed standard species as test organisms, being the local/native ones poorly represented. Further studies employing long-term exposures and environmentally relevant concentrations are needed to deepen the knowledge about this emergent pollutant.

本综述旨在 (i) 提供对 SiNP 主要特征（物理和化学特性、应用和排放）的当前概述，(ii) 评估有关 SiNP 的最新科学生产，重点是它们的毒性作用，通过文献计量分析，(iii) 描述 SiNP 的主要毒性机制，(iv) 评估目前关于 SiNP 对水生生物（海洋和淡水）生态毒性的知识，以及 (v) 确定 SiNP 毒性知识的主要差距来自环保的观点。关于 SiNP 的化学和物理特性的科学生产呈指数增长。然而，关于它们的生态毒性的信息很少。粒子功能化是降低 SiNP 毒性的关键因素。大多数研究采用标准物种作为测试生物，当地/本地物种代表性不足。需要使用长期暴露和环境相关浓度的进一步研究来加深对这种新兴污染物的了解。