We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Functionalized nanoplastics alter physiology and toxin production in Alexandrium pacificum through surface charge effects
Summary
Researchers tested how surface-modified nanoplastics affect the harmful algae species Alexandrium pacificum, which produces paralytic shellfish toxins. They found that amino-modified nanoplastics had greater bioavailability to the algae and altered the composition of toxins produced, while all nanoplastic types impaired photosynthesis and triggered oxidative stress. The study suggests that nanoplastic surface chemistry plays a critical role in determining how these particles interact with and affect marine microorganisms.
• 1 mg/L nanoplastics promote the growth of Alexandrium pacificum . • Nanoplastics induce the oxidative stress and impair the photosynthesis. • Significant interactions of concentration and functional modification of nanoplasitcs were observed on antioxidative system. • Amino-modified nanoplastics alter the composition of paralytic shellfish toxins. • Amino-modified nanoplastics have greater bioavailability to microalgae compared to carboxyl-modified nanoplastics. Nanoplastics have emerged as a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Those with functional modifications particularly impact biological processes, as their surface potential governs particle-organism interactions and electron transfer. Here, we evaluated the endpoints related to growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant defence, and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) content in Alexandrium pacificum exposed to 100 nm functionally modified nanoplastics (NP, NP-NH 2 and NP-COOH) of 0, 0.1 and 1 mg/L for 21 days. Our findings indicate that: Exposure to 1 mg/L NP increased microalgae growth by 31.4%, while NP-NH 2 (1 mg/L) promoted growth throughout the experiment. Significant nanoplastics accumulation occurred on microalgae surfaces. NP (1 mg/L) induced a significant increase in photosynthetic activity. Toxicity of nanoplastics exhibited a concentration-dependent increase that was independent of functional modification, which, together with concentration, significantly interacted to affect cell membrane permeability. In addition, NP-NH 2 altered the PSTs composition, increasing C1/C2 levels by 121.2% (1 mg/L) and 159.88% (0.1 mg/L) compared to controls. In summary, NP-NH 2 exhibited higher bioavailability than NP-COOH and NP. Our study underscores the critical role of functional groups in mediating the effects of nanoplastics on harmful microalgae physiology, particularly intracellular PSTs dynamics, which may profoundly impact ecosystems through food chain transfer.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Effecting Mechanisms of 100 nm Sized Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Typical Coastal Alexandrium tamarense
Researchers examined the effects of 100-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics on the harmful algal bloom species Alexandrium tamarense. They found that nanoplastic exposure inhibited algal growth and photosynthesis while increasing production of paralytic shellfish toxins and reactive oxygen species. The study suggests that nanoplastic pollution in coastal waters could worsen harmful algal bloom impacts by stressing toxin-producing algal species.
Unraveling the toxicity mechanisms of nanoplastics with various surface modifications on Skeletonema costatum: Cellular and molecular perspectives
Researchers examined how nanoplastics with different surface coatings affect a common marine microalga at both the cellular and molecular level. They found that surface modifications significantly influenced the toxicity of the particles, with some coatings causing greater damage to cell membranes and photosynthesis. The study highlights that the chemical surface properties of nanoplastics, not just their size, play a key role in determining their environmental impact.
Effects of nanoplastics on microalgae and their trophic transfer along the food chain: recent advances and perspectives
This review summarized evidence on how nanoplastics affect microalgae — including growth inhibition, oxidative stress, and altered photosynthesis — and examined trophic transfer of nanoplastics up the food chain, finding that toxicity depended on NP concentration, size, and surface charge.
Unravelling the toxicity mechanisms of polystyrene nanoplastics on physiological and transcriptomic responses of the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum
Researchers exposed the toxic marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum to polystyrene nanoplastics at concentrations from 0.1 to 50 mg/L and measured physiological responses and toxin production. NP exposure inhibited growth and photosynthesis, altered gene expression, and changed the profile of paralytic shellfish toxins produced by the alga.
Uncovering the potential effect of microplastics on Alexandrium pacificum: From the perspective of cyst formation and toxin production
Microplastics were found to influence the growth and toxin production of Alexandrium (a harmful algal bloom species), with effects depending on plastic type and concentration. This raises concerns that microplastic pollution could alter the frequency or severity of harmful algal blooms in coastal waters.