The dual effects of CMC on the stability and cytotoxicity of NZVI were investigated.
The CMC-coating significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of NZVI towards Echerichia coli.
The Ca2+ can either increase or decrease the cytotoxicity of NZVI and CMC-NZVI.
The cytotoxicity of NZVI and CMC-NZVI significantly decreased after aging.
The mechanisms related to the particle stabilization and toxicity were discussed.