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A study on the effect of fluorescently stained micro(nano)plastics on the full life history of Skeletonema costatum
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Researchers investigated the effects of fluorescently stained micro(nano)plastics on the full life history of marine microalgae, measuring impacts on growth, photosynthesis, and physiological morphology to assess whether fluorescent labeling alters observed toxicity outcomes.
As a new type of environmental pollutant, micro(nano)plastics have become a research hotspot in recent years, and their effects on the full life history of marine microalgae have not been studied. To investigate the effects of micro(nano)plastics on the growth, photosynthesis, physiological morphology and interaction of microalgae during the full life cycle, we selected fluorescently stained polystyrene (PS) plastic microbeads as the target pollutant. By sampling and testing the growth rate, photosynthesis and physiological morphology parameters of algal species, the influence of different concentrations of PS (10, 50 and 100 mg/L) and different particle sizes (0.1, 0.5 and 1 μm) on the full life history of Skeletonema costatum (S. costatum) was investigated. The results showed that after adding PS (particle sizes of 0.5 and 1 μm), the response of S. costatum showed a dual character, while adding the same kind of microplastics (MPs) with a particle size of 0.1 μm inhibited S. costatum throughout the full life cycle. Compared with previous studies, short-term experimental data may overestimate the true ecological risks of MPs. In addition, 0.1 μm fluorescent-stained MPs obviously accumulated around the microalgae, indicating that MPs mainly adhered to the surface of algal cells and may enter the food chain by direct or indirect ways, which can cause negative effects on the aquatic ecosystem. This study supports a more accurate assessment of the true risk of MPs to marine aquatic ecosystems.
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Toxic effects of microplastic on marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum: Interactions between microplastic and algae
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Researchers found that micrometer-sized PVC microplastics significantly inhibit the growth and photosynthesis of the marine microalga Skeletonema costatum — reaching up to 39.7% growth inhibition — primarily through direct physical adsorption and aggregation between particles and algal cells rather than by shading effects alone.
The Impact of Microplastics on the Growth of Skeletonema Costatum
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Researchers exposed the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum to polystyrene microplastics at 0.1 and 10 mg/L, finding that both concentrations initially stimulated cell growth and chlorophyll content but also elevated antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating a stress response even when growth appeared enhanced.
Unraveling the toxicity mechanisms of nanoplastics with various surface modifications on Skeletonema costatum: Cellular and molecular perspectives
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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.
Toxic effects of pristine and aged polystyrene and their leachate on marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum
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Researchers compared the toxic effects of pristine and aged polystyrene microplastics, as well as their chemical leachates, on the marine microalga Skeletonema costatum. The study found that aged microplastics and their leachates caused greater growth inhibition, reduced chlorophyll concentration, and triggered stronger oxidative stress responses than pristine particles, suggesting that environmental weathering increases the toxicity of plastic debris.
Visualization of labeled micro- and nanoplastics in interaction with algae, using super-resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging
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A labeling and STED super-resolution microscopy method was developed to visualize non-fluorescent micro- and nanoplastics of various polymers, shapes, and sizes in interaction with autofluorescent marine microalgae, overcoming a key challenge in distinguishing nanoplastics from biological material.
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