We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Nanoplastics inhibit carbon fixation in algae: The effect of aging
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles under 1 micrometer) damage the photosynthesis machinery in green algae and disrupt the carbon-fixing processes that help regulate Earth's climate, though UV-aged nanoplastics caused slightly less damage than fresh ones due to surface changes. This suggests nanoplastic pollution could have ripple effects on the global carbon cycle by harming microscopic algae.
Despite the considerable efforts devoted to the toxicological assessment of nanoplastics, the effect of UV-irradiation induced aging, a realistic environmental process, on the toxicity of nanoplastics toward microalgae and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Herein, this study comparatively investigated the toxicities of polystyrene nanoplastics (nano-PS) and the UV-aged nano-PS on the eukaryotic alga Chlorella vulgaris, focusing on evaluating their inhibitory effects on carbon fixation. Exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-10 mg/L) of nano-PS caused severe damage to chloroplast, inhibited the photosynthetic efficiency and electron transport, and suppressed the activities of carbon fixation related enzymes. Multi-omics results revealed that nano-PS interfered with energy supply by disrupting light reactions and TCA cycle and hindered the Calvin cycle, thereby inhibiting the photosynthetic carbon fixation of algae. The above alterations partially recovered after a recovery period. The aged nano-PS were less toxic than the pristine ones as evidenced by the mitigated inhibitory effect on algal growth and carbon fixation. The aging process introduced oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of nano-PS, increased the hydrophilicity of nano-PS, limited their attachment on algal cells, and thus reduced the toxicity. The findings of this work highlight the potential threat of nanoplastics to the global carbon cycle.
More Papers Like This
Effects of micro- and nano-plastics on growth, antioxidant system, DMS, and DMSP production in Emiliania huxleyi
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed a key ocean-dwelling algae species to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found that both sizes impaired growth and triggered oxidative stress. The nanoplastics were more harmful than microplastics, reducing chlorophyll content and altering the production of climate-relevant sulfur compounds. The study suggests that plastic pollution could disrupt ocean algae that play an important role in regulating atmospheric chemistry and climate.
Persistence of algal toxicity induced by polystyrene nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied whether the harmful effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on marine algae are temporary or long-lasting. They found that while some damage, like oxidative stress, was reversible after exposure ended, other effects such as increased cell membrane damage persisted. The study suggests that even at low, environmentally realistic concentrations, nanoplastics can cause lasting disruption to algal metabolism and cell function.
Microplastics disrupt microalgal carbon fixation: Efficiency and underlying mechanisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa to polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics and found up to 39% inhibition of carbon fixation, driven by reduced chlorophyll content, increased oxidative stress, and downregulation of genes in the Calvin cycle and chlorophyll metabolism, with implications for aquatic carbon cycling.
Polystyrene nanoplastics cause growth inhibition, morphological damage and physiological disturbance in the marine microalga Platymonas helgolandica
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed marine green microalgae to polystyrene nanoplastics and found significant growth inhibition, increased membrane permeability, disrupted photosynthesis, and visible morphological damage — including surface fragmentation and cellular rupture — at concentrations as low as 200 µg/L.
Surface functionalization of polystyrene nanoparticles modulates nanoparticle-induced phytotoxicity in Chlorella vulgaris
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (like those from broken-down plastic waste) can stress and damage algae, key organisms at the bottom of the food chain, even without killing them outright, and the type of surface coating on the plastic changes how much damage occurs. This matters because algae like these support aquatic ecosystems and food webs, so understanding how different forms of nanoplastics affect them helps scientists predict broader environmental and, potentially, human health impacts as these particles move through water systems and into the food we eat.
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.