We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Species-specific susceptibility of green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris to the exposure of microplastic leachates
AI summary Read the abstract
Chemicals leaking from plastic waste (like PVC pipes) can stress out and even slow the growth of algae, the tiny plants at the base of aquatic food chains—but the effects vary depending on the algae species. This matters because if plastic pollution harms some algae more than others, it could shift the balance of aquatic ecosystems, potentially affecting water quality and the food chains that eventually connect back to the fish and seafood we eat.
Microplastics are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, and their additives can leach into surrounding water. This study investigated the toxic effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) leachates on two freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris and Raphidocelis subcapitata, at concentrations corresponding to 1, 2, 5 and 15 g/L PVC or PIR for 14 days. A growth inhibition was observed in R. subcapitata exposed to the PVC leachate, while the 72 and 96 h EC values were estimated at 7.2 g/L. No growth inhibition was observed among the other tests. The effects of the leachates on chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids levels, as well as the chlorophyll a/b and carotenoids/total chlorophyll ratio were determined. In both algae exposed to the PVC leachate, photopigments exhibited patterns of stress response. Furthermore, activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase) and lipid peroxidation as response to oxidative stress were significantly affected in algae exposed to both PVC and PIR leachates. Based on the integrated biomarker response of photosynthesis (IBRv2), C. vulgaris exhibited a higher sensitivity of the photopigments to both leachates compared to R. subcapitata. However, the integrated biomarker response to oxidative stress (IBRv2) indicated a similar general oxidative and enzymatic stress response in both species exposed to the leachates. In conclusion, these results broaden our understanding of species-specific responses to microplastic leachates and their potential implications for species composition in aquatic environments.
More Papers Like This
Aqueous phase leachates from pure and commercial microplastics differentially affect the physiology and metabolism of Chlorella sp. MM3
AI summary Read the abstract
When plastics break down in water, they leak chemical additives, and this study found that the type of plastic matters a lot: chemicals leaching from PET (common in bottles) and PVC harmed algae more than those from polystyrene, damaging cells and disrupting their metabolism. Since algae are the base of aquatic food chains, this matters because the plastics we use every day may be releasing harmful chemical cocktails into water systems that could ripple up through the food web, though more research is needed to know exactly how this affects human health.
Non-Homogeneous Toxicity of Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics on Microalgal Cells Regulated by Nutrient Availability
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny PVC plastic particles can either harm or actually boost the growth of algae — tiny organisms at the base of aquatic food chains — depending on how many nutrients are available in the water. This matters because it helps explain why microplastic pollution doesn't affect ecosystems the same way everywhere, which is important since these algae-based food webs ultimately connect to the seafood and water systems humans rely on. While this study focused on algae rather than direct human health effects, understanding how microplastics behave differently in nutrient-poor versus nutrient-rich waters (like polluted lakes versus open ocean) could
Microplastics leachate may play a more important role than microplastics in inhibiting microalga Chlorella vulgaris growth at cellular and molecular levels
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that chemical compounds leaching from aged microplastics may be more harmful to algae than the microplastic particles themselves. UV-weathered polyethylene and PVC released substances that inhibited algae growth, caused oxidative stress, and altered gene expression more severely than direct particle exposure. The study suggests that the chemicals released by degrading microplastics deserve more attention as a source of aquatic toxicity.
Interactive effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene on the growth of the freshwater microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that microplastics in water can change how toxic a common pollutant (benzo[a]pyrene, found in smoke and oil residue) is to algae, sometimes making it worse and sometimes weaker, depending on how much plastic is present. Since algae help clean up pollution and sit at the bottom of the food chain, this suggests microplastic pollution could unpredictably affect how toxic chemicals move through water ecosystems, and potentially into the food we eat.
Microplastic-induced modulation of interspecific interactions in microalgae under mono- and co-culture conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) harm algae differently depending on whether the algae are growing alone or alongside other algae species — one type got more damaged specifically when living with a competing species. This matters because algae form the base of aquatic food webs, so plastic pollution's real-world impact on ecosystems (and the food supply that eventually reaches us) may be underestimated by lab studies that only test one species at a time.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.