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The Effect of Polyethylene Microplastics on Growth and Antioxydant Response of Oscillatoria Princeps and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa
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Researchers exposed two freshwater algae species to polyethylene microplastics of different sizes and found that the particles disrupted photosynthesis and altered antioxidant enzyme activity. Smaller microplastics generally caused more pronounced effects, and the two species responded differently to the stress. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution in freshwater environments could impair the growth of organisms at the base of aquatic food webs.
This study investigated the impacts of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) with varying particle sizes (13 μm and 6.5 μm) on the growth and antioxidant responses of two freshwater algae species, Oscillatoria princeps (O. princeps) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa). The results revealed a significant reduction in chlorophyll a content in both algal species upon exposure to PE-MPs, indicating a disruption of photosynthesis. Furthermore, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity decreased in O. princeps, while Catalase (CAT) activity increased in both species, indicating complex physiological responses to microplastic stress. Notably, phycotoxin levels in O. princeps decreased with PE-MP exposure, while those in C. pyrenoidosa increased, particularly with 6.5 μm PE-MPs. These findings underscore the potential toxic effects of PE-MPs on freshwater algal growth and metabolism, as well as their influence on toxin production. This study contributes valuable insights into the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics in freshwater environments, highlighting the need for further research on their biological effects and environmental health implications.
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Researchers investigated how polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics affect the photosynthesis system of freshwater algae and found that both types reduced chlorophyll content and impaired photosynthetic efficiency. The damage was concentration-dependent and worsened over the growth period. The study highlights that microplastic pollution in freshwater can harm algae, which form the base of aquatic food chains.
Effects of microplastics on the growth, photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient composition in freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris Beij
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Researchers tested how polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics affect the freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris and found that smaller particles and higher concentrations caused more harm. The microplastics reduced algal growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and disrupted nutrient composition over the 11-day experiment. Since algae form the base of aquatic food chains, this damage could ripple upward through ecosystems that ultimately connect to human food sources.
Effects of different concentrations and particle sizes of microplastics on the full life history of freshwater Chlorella
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Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics of different concentrations and particle sizes affect the complete life cycle of freshwater Chlorella algae. The study found that microplastics can inhibit algal growth by up to 68%, while also altering chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity, indicating that microplastic pollution may pose significant risks to the base of aquatic food webs.
Pengaruh Konsentrasi Mikroplastik terhadap Aktivitas Enzim Antioksidan dan Pertumbuhan Chlorella vulgaris dalam Sistem Kultur Terkontrol
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New research found that microplastics stress out tiny algae called Chlorella vulgaris, cutting their growth by over a third and forcing them to pump out extra antioxidant enzymes just to survive cell damage. This matters because these microscopic algae are the foundation of aquatic food webs—if microplastic pollution weakens them, it could ripple upward through fish and other seafood, potentially affecting the food supply many people rely on.
Exploring biochemical responses and cellular adaptations of Chlorella sorokiniana to polyethylene microplastic exposure
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Researchers exposed the freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana to varying concentrations of polyethylene microplastics and measured the effects on growth, pigments, and biochemical composition. They found that high concentrations inhibited growth by 50% and caused reductions in pigments, lipids, and carbohydrates, while protein content increased as a stress response. The study provides insights into how microplastic pollution may disrupt the base of freshwater food webs by affecting primary producers.
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