We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impact of PET micro/nanoplastics on the symbiotic system Azolla filiculoides-Trichormus azollae
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the symbiotic fern-cyanobacterium system Azolla filiculoides-Trichormus azollae to environmentally relevant concentrations of PET micro-nanoplastics for ten days. While the plastic particles did not cause visible toxicity or growth problems in the fern, they did reduce chlorophyll content and alter some physiological responses. The study suggests that even when outward signs of damage are absent, microplastics can subtly affect plant photosynthetic systems.
The symbiotic system Azolla filiculoides-Trichormus azollae was exposed for ten days to environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e. 0.05 and 0.1 g L-1) of polyethylene terephthalate micro-nanoplastics (PET-MNPs). Plastic particles did not induce any visible toxicity symptoms or growth disorders to the fern, as well as any effects on leaf anatomy and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Nonetheless, in treated plants a decrease of chlorophyll content occurred and was coupled to reduction of Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI), an informative parameter of the plant nitrogen status. In the presence of MNPs, plants exhibited a substantial decline in the absorption of essential elements, as evidenced by decreased tissue concentration of Ca, Mg, Co and Mn. The exposure to the pollutants compromised root integrity and possibly its functioning in nutrient accumulation, with evident physical damages not only in the rhizodermis and cortex, but also in the vascular system. In addition, a DNA-based estimation of T. azollae revealed a decreasing trend in the relative abundance of the N2-fixing cyanobacteria for PET-treated samples. This was coupled with an alteration of the symbiont's phenotype highlighted by microscopy analysis, showing a reduction in number of vegetative cells between two consecutive heterocysts and in heterocyst size. This work is the first evidence of MNPs disturbing a strict symbiosis, with possible implications on nitrogen cycling in ecosystems, bio fertilization of agricultural lands and evolutionary pathways.
More Papers Like This
The impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on plants in the scenario of increasing temperatures: The case of Azolla filiculoides Lam
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and elevated temperatures on the aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides. They found that higher temperatures amplified the toxic effects of nanoplastics on plant growth and photosynthetic performance. The study suggests that climate change may worsen the environmental impact of nanoplastic pollution on aquatic plant communities.
Microplastics inhibit the growth of endosymbiotic Symbiodinium tridacnidorum by altering photosynthesis and bacterial community
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed a type of algae that lives inside coral to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles slowed cell growth and reduced photosynthesis. At higher concentrations, the microplastics clumped together with the algal cells and caused physical damage. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution could harm coral reef ecosystems by disrupting the essential relationship between corals and their symbiotic algae.
Evaluating physiological responses of microalgae towards environmentally coexisting microplastics: A meta-analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
A meta-analysis of 52 studies found that microplastics inhibit microalgal growth and photosynthesis and induce oxidative damage, though microalgae can recover over time. Cyanobacteria are more vulnerable than green algae, and the relative size of microplastics to algal cells governs the mechanism of impact, while aged versus pristine microplastics have opposite effects on extracellular polymeric substance and microcystin production.
The threat of micro/nanoplastic to aquatic plants: current knowledge, gaps, and future perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes what is known about how micro- and nanoplastics affect aquatic plants, including how plants absorb these particles through roots and leaves and transport them internally. Exposure can alter plant growth, photosynthesis, and interactions with other organisms, though effects vary widely depending on plastic type and concentration. The authors highlight major research gaps and call for more studies on real-world conditions rather than controlled lab settings.
Microplastic contamination reduces productivity in a widespread freshwater photosymbiosis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the effects of microplastic contamination on the freshwater photosymbiosis between Paramecium bursaria and Chlorella algae, finding that microplastic exposure reduced growth rate, symbiont density, metabolic rate, and feeding rate, suggesting that freshwater photosymbioses are vulnerable to plastic pollution similarly to marine associations.
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.