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Impact of microplastic white tide on the light and dark metabolism of the macroalgae Fucus serratus: petroleum-based vs biosourced polymers
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Researchers exposed the macroalga Fucus serratus to simulated microplastic pellet pollution events using both petroleum-based and biosourced polymers. They found that both types of plastic pellets disrupted the algae's light and dark metabolic processes. The study suggests that bioplastics may pose similar environmental risks to conventional plastics when they accumulate on intertidal organisms.
In a context of global change, the rising intensity of extreme climatic and pollution events, particularly plastic pollution and accumulation of plastic pellets, threaten intertidal organisms’ living conditions and physiology. In response to the need for reduced fossil fuel reliance and the use of potentially toxic chemical compounds, the plastics industry is developing bioplastics marketed as "biosourced" or "biodegradable." However, bioplastics often share the same environmental issues as conventional plastics. To address gaps in understanding how conventional and bioplastics affect brown algae, we studied the impact of four virgin plastic polymers —polypropylene (PP), a biosourced polypropylene with a scallop shell matrix (PPSS), a biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), and a biodegradable biopolyester (BioP)— on CO2 fluxes in Fucus serratus under massive microbead exposure. Results showed limited effects of PP, PPSS, and BioP on the algae's photosynthesis and respiration, indicating resilience to short-term plastic exposure. In contrast, PLA exposure significantly increased dark respiration rates, suggesting a metabolic stress. However, prolonged high energy demand could be detrimental to algal health and resilience. Our future research will explore the effects of these polymers in a wider ecological context, both under natural seasonal variations and/or combined with an exceptional thermal stress.
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Comparative assessment of MP effects on pigment composition and lipid profiles in three marine microalgae
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Researchers exposed three marine microalgae species to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics and found that the particles altered pigment composition and lipid profiles in species-specific ways. Microplastic exposure generally reduced photosynthetic pigments and shifted fatty acid profiles, with effects varying depending on the polymer type and concentration ratio. The study suggests that microplastic pollution could disrupt the biochemistry of ecologically and commercially important microalgae at the base of marine food webs.
Nanoplastics reshape lipid metabolism in marine microalgae with potential ecological consequence
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Researchers exposed a marine microalga important to ocean ecosystems to nanoplastics and found significant disruptions to its lipid metabolism, reducing both biomass and lipid production. The nanoplastics altered the types of fats the algae produced, potentially affecting the nutritional value of these organisms for the marine food web. The findings suggest that nanoplastic pollution could have cascading ecological consequences by disrupting carbon cycling at the base of the food chain.
Supplementary material from " Microplastic pellets do not affect heat stress induced night-time respiration in the brown alga Fucus serratus "
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Researchers tested whether conventional and biosourced microplastic pellets combined with heat stress affect night-time respiration in the brown alga Fucus serratus. The study found that while heat stress significantly increased respiration rates, the presence of microplastic pellets did not add to this effect, suggesting that short-term microplastic exposure may not compound thermal stress impacts on this intertidal seaweed species.
Supplementary material from " Microplastic pellets do not affect heat stress induced night-time respiration in the brown alga Fucus serratus "
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Researchers tested whether conventional and biosourced microplastic pellets combined with heat stress affect night-time respiration in the brown alga Fucus serratus. The study found that while heat stress significantly increased respiration rates, the presence of microplastic pellets did not add to this effect, suggesting that short-term microplastic exposure may not compound thermal stress impacts on this intertidal seaweed species.
Material-dependent physiological and biochemical responses of marine microalga Tisochrysis sp. to three model nanoplastics.
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Scientists exposed a marine microalga to tiny plastic particles made from three different materials in a lab test over 10 days. The particles affected cell growth, pigments and other cell functions differently depending on the plastic type, with one type causing temporary growth slowdown and fat buildup in cells.
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