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Comprehensive study on the interaction of estrogen and Microcystis aeruginosa with coexisting of microplastics
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Scientists found that when a synthetic hormone found in birth control pills (EE2) ends up in lake water alongside plastic pollution, it can make harmful algae grow faster and release more toxins at high pollution levels—raising concerns for drinking water safety. The good news: the algae can also break down some of this hormone into less toxic byproducts, though this natural cleanup process has limits. This matters because lakes contaminated with both plastic waste and hormone pollution (from wastewater, pharmaceuticals, etc.) may pose greater health risks than either pollutant alone, especially as algal blooms become more common.
The increasing occurrence and concentration of emerging contaminants, particularly in eutrophic lakes, raises concerns. These pollutants, including estrogens, microplastics, and algae, interact in complex ways, which could alter environmental risks. However, these interactions and risks are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the environmental risks of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on the growth and metabolism of Microcystis aeruginosa, as well as its biotransformation mechanisms in the presence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), using controlled algal exposure experiments combined with physiological assays, chemical analysis (UPLC-MS/MS), and molecular docking. The results show that low to moderate concentrations (0.01-1 mg/L) of EE2 combined with PET promote cell density, chlorophyll-a content, and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) of M. aeruginosa. At higher EE2 concentrations (5.0 mg/L), PET co-exposure enhances EE2 toxicity, inducing oxidative stress as evidenced by increased reactive oxygen species levels and lipid peroxidation. These physiological changes are accompanied by stimulated production and release of microcystins, potentially increasing water toxicity. On the other hand, EE2 was biodegraded by M. aeruginosa, with 8.03% to 56.81% removal rate after 96 h. The contributions of abiotic factors, bioadsorption, and bioaccumulation were limited. The biodegradation process is driven by enzymatic activity, with molecular docking and enzyme inhibition results indicating that cytochrome P450 plays a pivotal role, exhibiting the lowest binding energy with EE2 and the highest number of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. After biodegradation, the degradation products are less toxic than that of original EE2. This study highlights the combined environmental risks of EE2 mediated by M. aeruginosa and the influence of PET in algal blooms and clarifies EE2 transformation by algae.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics and 17α Ethinylestradiol: How Do Different Aquatic Invertebrates Respond to This Combination of Contaminants?
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Researchers tested how microplastics combined with the synthetic hormone ethinylestradiol, a common contraceptive ingredient found in wastewater, affect two tropical estuarine species: oysters and crabs. They found that microplastics carrying the hormone increased toxic effects compared to either pollutant alone, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage across multiple organs. The study suggests that the combination of microplastics and hormone pollutants in waterways may pose greater risks to aquatic life than previously recognized.
Role of polystyrene microplastics in the photodegradation of steroidal estrogens: Influencing factors, mechanism and aquatic toxicity assessment.
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles in water can speed up the breakdown of hormone chemicals (like estrogen) when exposed to sunlight. While this might sound good, some of the broken-down hormone pieces actually become more toxic than the original chemicals. This matters because both microplastics and hormone pollutants are common in our water systems, and their interaction could create new health risks we didn't know about before.
Higher toxicity induced by co-exposure of polystyrene microplastics and chloramphenicol to Microcystis aeruginosa: Experimental study and molecular dynamics simulation
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Researchers studied what happens when the antibiotic chloramphenicol and polystyrene microplastics are present together in water containing blue-green algae. The study found that the combined exposure was more toxic to the algae than either pollutant alone, disrupting photosynthesis and gene expression. The findings suggest that microplastics and antibiotics may interact in ways that amplify their harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Combination of nanoparticles from polystyrene and the hormone 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in water.
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This study examined the combined effects of polystyrene nanoparticles and the synthetic hormone ethinylestradiol on aquatic organisms, finding that nanoplastics and endocrine disruptors can interact in water environments — raising concerns about the combined toxicity of plastic particles and the chemical pollutants they may carry.
Interactive Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics and Cadmium on Growth of Microcystis aeruginosa
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Researchers examined what happens when polyethylene microplastics and the heavy metal cadmium are both present in freshwater, focusing on their effects on a bloom-forming algae species. Evidence indicates that the combination caused greater stress on the algae than either pollutant alone, though microplastics partially reduced cadmium toxicity by adsorbing some of the metal.
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