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Phthalocyanine blue leaching and exposure effects on Microcystis aeruginosa (cyanobacteria) of photoaged microplastics
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Researchers studied how a common blue pigment additive (phthalocyanine blue) in microplastics affects freshwater algae, especially after the plastics have been aged by sunlight. The pigment-containing microplastics caused more cell death, greater oxidative stress, and more damage to cell membranes and genetic processes than plain microplastics alone. The findings show that chemical additives in plastics can increase the toxicity of microplastics in waterways, with potential knock-on effects through the aquatic food chain.
Light-stabilizing additives may contribute to the overall pollution load of microplastics (MPs) and potentially enter the food chain, severely threatening aquatic life and human health. This study investigated the variation between polystyrene (PS) MPs and phthalocyanine blue (CuPC)-containing MPs before and after photoaging, as well as their effects on Microcystis aeruginosa. The presence of PS-MPs increased cell mortality, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the variation in extracellular components, while the presence of CuPC exacerbated these variations. CuPC-containing MPs caused different increasing trends in superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde activities due to electron transfer across the membrane. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the MPs and CuPC affected various cellular processes, with the greatest impact being on cell membranes. Compared with MPs, CuPC negatively affected ribosome and polysaccharide formation. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular response to MPs and their associated light-stabilizer pollution and imply the necessity for mitigating the pollution of both MPs and light-stabilizers.
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Toxic effect and the mechanisms of colored microplastics containing inorganic pigments on Microcystis aeruginosa
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Researchers compared the toxicity of red-pigmented polyethylene microplastics containing cadmium-based pigments with colorless microplastics on the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The colored microplastics inhibited cell growth by 53% compared to only 23% for colorless particles, with the enhanced toxicity attributed to the release of toxic heavy metal pigments, suggesting that colored microplastics pose greater ecological risks than commonly studied colorless ones.
Toxicity mechanism of Nylon microplastics on Microcystis aeruginosa through three pathways: Photosynthesis, oxidative stress and energy metabolism
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Researchers investigated how nylon microplastics affect the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and found dose-dependent growth inhibition reaching nearly 48% at the highest concentration. The microplastics disrupted photosynthesis, damaged cell membranes, triggered oxidative stress, and altered the expression of genes involved in energy production and carbon fixation. The study identifies three interconnected pathways through which nylon microplastics harm these important aquatic organisms.
Oxidative stress and energy metabolic response of Isochrysis galbana induced by different types of pristine and aging microplastics and their leachates
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Researchers compared how different types of pristine and aged microplastics affect a marine microalga used in aquaculture. Aged microplastics were more toxic than fresh ones, and the chemical compounds they released into the water caused greater oxidative stress and energy disruption in algal cells. The study suggests that as microplastics weather in the environment, they may become more harmful to the base of the marine food chain.
The aging of microplastics exacerbates the damage to photosynthetic performance and bioenergy production in microalgae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa)
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Researchers found that aged microplastics are significantly more toxic to freshwater algae than new microplastics, inhibiting growth by up to 45% and causing greater damage to photosynthesis and energy production. Since algae form the base of aquatic food chains, this heightened toxicity from weathered microplastics could cascade through ecosystems and ultimately affect the safety of freshwater resources that humans depend on.
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.
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