Résumé
Because of their specific properties (mechanical, electrical, etc), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are being assessed for inclusionin many manufactured products. Due to their massive production and number of potential applications, the impact ofCNTs on the environment must be taken into consideration. The present investigation evaluates the ecotoxic potential ofCNTs in the amphibian larvae (Ambystoma mexicanum). Acute toxicity and genotoxicity were analysed after 12 days ofexposure in laboratory conditions. The genotoxic effects were analysed by scoring the micronucleated erythrocytes in thecirculating blood of the larvae according to the French standard micronucleus assay. The results obtained in the presentstudy demonstrated that CNTs are neither acutely toxic nor genotoxic to larvae whatever the CNTs concentration in thewater, although black masses of CNTs were observed inside the gut. In the increasing economical context of CNTs,complementary studies must be undertaken, especially including mechanistic and environmental investigations.