New evidence reveals microplastics interfere with energy metabolism of microalgae

Evidence that microplastics at environmentally relevant concentration and size interfere with energy metabolism of microalgal community

Effects of Microplastic on the Growth and Nutrient Absorption of Microalgae

Persistent Microplastics in Ecosystem: The Role of Microalgae-Microplastic Interactions

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This review examines interactions between microalgae and microplastics in aquatic environments, focusing on how algae can adsorb, ingest, and respond to plastic particles, and how these interactions affect microplastic persistence and transport. Microalgae form the base of aquatic food webs, so their uptake of microplastics initiates the trophic transfer chain that ultimately delivers plastic particles and associated chemical contaminants to human consumers through seafood.

Physiological, morphological, and growth effects of microplastics on freshwater alga Chlorella vulgaris

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Researchers showed that microplastics inhibit growth, reduce chlorophyll and photosynthetic efficiency, and trigger oxidative stress in the freshwater alga Chlorella vulgaris in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting the species could serve as a bioindicator for aquatic microplastic contamination.

Algal-based Degradation of Microplastic: Prospects for Combating Microplastic Pollution

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Researchers reviewed the potential of microalgae to break down microplastics, exploring how these tiny aquatic organisms could offer a natural, low-cost solution to combat the growing problem of plastic pollution in freshwater and ocean environments.