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Effects of polystyrene microplastics on growth, physiological traits of Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystin production and release
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Researchers examined how polystyrene microplastics of various sizes affect the growth and toxin production of the harmful algae Microcystis aeruginosa. They found that microplastics inhibited algal growth at low densities, with the smallest particles causing the greatest inhibition, and also disrupted the algae's antioxidant defense system. Notably, microplastic exposure led to a significant increase in the production of the toxin microcystin-LR, raising concerns about how microplastic pollution could worsen harmful algal blooms.
With the increasing pollution from microplastics (MPs) in freshwater ecosystems, the effects of MPs on microalgae warrant further investigation. In our research, we examined how polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) with various particle sizes and concentrations affect the growth and physiology of Microcystis aeruginosa at different initial algal densities. The results showed that PS-MPs inhibited M. aeruginosa growth at low initial algal densities, with the highest inhibition rate (62.59 %) observed at 0.1 μm, 1 mg/L PS-MPs. Effects on photosynthesis were correlated with changes in initial algal density, and PS-MPs caused notable disturbances to the antioxidant defense system of M. aeruginosa. Compared to medium-sized PS-MPs (1 μm), PS-MPs with smaller (0.1 μm) or larger particle sizes (5 μm) caused greater growth inhibition and more pronounced changes in photosynthesis and oxidative damage. At low initial algal densities, PS-MPs addition led to a substantial rise in the intracellular levels of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), with a 150 % increase over the control at 0.1 μm, 1 mg/L PS-MPs. However, at high initial algal densities, apoptosis rates rose, leading to greater MC-LR release. This research offers a foundation for assessing the impact of PS-MPs on algal growth, as well as the production and release of MC-LR, contributing to the evaluation of MPs' risks to aquatic ecosystems.
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Micrometer scale polystyrene plastics of varying concentrations and particle sizes inhibit growth and upregulate microcystin-related gene expression in Microcystis aeruginosa
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics inhibited the growth of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa in a dose- and size-dependent manner, with smaller particles and higher concentrations causing greater growth suppression. Notably, microplastic exposure also upregulated genes related to microcystin production, suggesting that microplastics could potentially increase the toxicity of harmful algal blooms.
Size-dependent toxic effects of polystyrene microplastic exposure on Microcystis aeruginosa growth and microcystin production
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Researchers exposed the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa to polystyrene microplastics of two sizes and found that particle size significantly influenced the effects. The larger 1-micrometer particles promoted algal growth while aggregating on cell surfaces and inhibiting photosynthesis, whereas 100-nanometer particles stimulated toxin production. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in freshwater may have complex, size-dependent effects on harmful algal blooms and their toxin output.
Responses of Microcystis aeruginosa to polystyrene microplastics: Growth dynamics and implications for water treatment
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Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics affect the harmful freshwater algae Microcystis aeruginosa, which causes toxic algal blooms. They found that while microplastics initially suppressed algae growth, the algae eventually adapted and grew even more, producing higher levels of the dangerous toxin microcystin. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in freshwater could worsen harmful algal blooms and create additional water treatment challenges.
Responses of bloom-forming Microcystis aeruginosa to polystyrene microplastics exposure: Growth and photosynthesis
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Researchers exposed bloom-forming blue-green algae (Microcystis aeruginosa) to polystyrene microplastics and found a complex pattern: high concentrations (50–100 mg/L) temporarily suppressed growth and photosynthesis in the middle of the experiment, but promoted growth at the beginning and end. This suggests microplastics could worsen harmful algal blooms in the long run, which is concerning because these blooms produce toxins that contaminate drinking water.
Growth inhibition, toxin production and oxidative stress caused by three microplastics in Microcystis aeruginosa
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Researchers tested the effects of three common microplastic types, PVC, polystyrene, and polyethylene, on the growth and toxin production of the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. They found that all three microplastics inhibited algal growth and triggered oxidative stress, with PVC causing the most severe effects. The study also revealed that microplastic exposure stimulated the production of microcystin toxins, suggesting that plastic pollution could worsen harmful algal bloom impacts in freshwater systems.
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