We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Size-specific mediation of the physiological responses and degradation ability of microalgae to sulfamerazine by microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes affect the ability of marine microalgae to tolerate and break down the antibiotic sulfamerazine. They found that nano-sized plastics were more harmful than larger particles, reducing algal growth and impairing the organisms' ability to degrade the antibiotic. The study reveals that microplastic pollution could interfere with the natural biological breakdown of pharmaceutical contaminants in waterways.
Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs) are two classes of emerging contaminants that are commonly found in various water environments. However, how different sized MPs affect the toxicity and biodegradation of antibiotics remains poorly understood. We investigated the effects of polystyrene (PS) MPs with different particle sizes (100 nm and 30 μm) on the physiological responses and degradation behavior of Phaeodactylum tricornutum to sulfamerazine (SMR). Results showed that microalgae growth was inhibited by SMR, and MPs especially those of smaller size exacerbated the inhibitory effects of SMR on microalgae, including decreasing the content of chlorophyll a, carotenoids, malondiadehyde and superoxide dismutase activity. MPs exhibited low adsorption towards SMR, and MPs especially 30 μm MPs strengthened SMR photodegradation through leaching more organic chemicals. In comparison, 100 nm MPs obstructed the light, resulting in insignificant effects on photodegradation. Apart from photodegradation, SMR could be bioaccumulated and biodegraded by microalgae, and biodegradation was the main removal mechanism. The overall influence of MPs on SMR degradation by microalgae was a balance of the promotion on photodegradation and negative effects on microalgae growth, with the degradation efficiency and rate of SMR significantly lower in treatment of 100 nm MPs (0.0128 ± 0.0012 day, 30.13 ± 0.36 %) than treatments without MPs (0.0155 ± 0.0011 day, 32.90 ± 3.11 %) or with 30 μm MPs (0.0165 ± 0.0013 day, 34.46 ± 2.52 %). Overall, this study reveals the size-specific effects of MPs on the toxicity and degradation behavior of SMR, providing novel insights into the combined effects of SMR and MPs.
More Papers Like This
Size-dependent effect of microplastics on toxicity and fate of diclofenac in two algae
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated how different sizes of polystyrene microplastics affect two species of algae and interact with the common pharmaceutical pollutant diclofenac. Researchers found that the smallest microplastics caused the most significant growth inhibition in algae, and the combined presence of microplastics and diclofenac could alter how each pollutant behaves. The findings underscore how microplastics can change the toxicity and environmental fate of other water contaminants.
Microplastic size-dependent biochemical and molecular effects in alga Heterosigma akashiwo
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on the harmful algal species Heterosigma akashiwo, finding that 80-nanometer particles were more toxic than 1-micrometer particles. The study showed that smaller nanoplastics at higher concentrations inhibited algal growth and photosynthesis, disrupted antioxidant enzyme activity, and altered gene expression, suggesting size-dependent toxicity mechanisms.
Microplastics impacts in seven flagellate microalgae: Role of size and cell wall
AI summary Read the abstract
Seven marine flagellate microalgae species were incubated with 1-micrometer polystyrene microplastics at 10 mg/L, revealing that cell size and the presence of a cell wall strongly influenced the degree of microplastic-induced physiological and growth effects across species.
Response of Chlorella sorokiniana to Co-Exposure to Sulfamethoxazole and Polystyrene Microplastics: Toxicity Effect, Defense and Biodegradation Mechanism
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when a common antibiotic (sulfamethoxazole) and microplastic particles pollute water together, algae actually break down the antibiotic more effectively than when the antibiotic is alone—and the leftover breakdown products are less toxic than the original antibiotic. This matters because it suggests some algae in rivers and lakes could help naturally clean up antibiotic pollution even in microplastic-contaminated water, potentially reducing the spread of drug residues that can affect ecosystems and, indirectly, the water humans rely on.
Size-Dependent Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Freshwater Microalgae After Long-Term Exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed a common freshwater algae species to polystyrene nanoplastics of three different sizes over an extended period. They found that the smallest particles caused the most damage to algae cells, while the largest particles had relatively mild effects, revealing a clear size-dependent toxicity pattern. The study suggests that the tiniest nanoplastic particles in freshwater environments may pose the greatest risk to the base of aquatic food webs.
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.