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Evaluating physiological responses of microalgae towards environmentally coexisting microplastics: A meta-analysis
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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.
Microplastics (MPs) are abundantly present in aquatic environments, where the phytoplankton-microalgae, are now inevitably bound to a long-term coexistence with them. While numerous studies have focused on the toxicological effects of high-concentration MPs exposure, there remains controversy over whether and how MPs affect microalgae at environmentally relevant concentrations. This study aims to draw conclusions that narrow the gap from 52 studies with varying results. Overall, MPs can inhibit growth and photosynthesis, induce oxidative damage, from which microalgae can recover after an appropriate period. Cyanobacteria exhibit greater vulnerability than chlorophyta. The relative size of MPs to algal cells potentially governs their coexistence behavior, thereby altering the mechanisms of impact. Pristine MPs may increase the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and microcystins (MCs), while aged MPs have the opposite effect. Additionally, relevant factors are systematically discussed, offering insights for future research.
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