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Mechanism of transport and toxicity response of Chlorella sorokiniana to polystyrene nanoplastics
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Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics are transported into freshwater algae cells and what toxic effects they cause. They found that the tiny plastic particles entered the cells through specific pathways and triggered oxidative stress, inhibiting algae growth. The study provides new insights into how nanoplastics disrupt the base of aquatic food chains by damaging microscopic organisms.
The toxicity of nanoparticles to freshwater microalgae is of significant importance in maintaining the overall stability of aquatic ecosystems. However, the transport mechanism and toxicity response of microalgae towards nanoplastics (NPs) remain to be further investigated. In this study, we examined the toxicity and internalization mechanisms of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. The results revealed that the PS-NPs inhibited algal cells' growth and disrupted cell integrity upon contact, leading to cell shrinkage or rupture. Moreover, amino-modified PS-NPs (Nano-PS-NH) exhibited greater toxicity to C. sorokiniana than carboxyl-modified PS-NPs (Nano-PS-COOH). Furthermore, significant inhibition of PS-NPs internalization was observed when four different endocytosis-related inhibitors were used, indicating that internalized PS-NPs can enter algal cells through endocytic pathways. More importantly, C. sorokiniana exposed to Nano-PS-NH responded to the reduction in carbon sources and energy resulting from the suppression of photosynthesis by regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates. These findings elucidate the effects of PS-NPs on C. sorokiniana, including their impact on cell morphology and metabolism, while shedding light on the internalization mechanisms of NPs by C. sorokiniana which deepen our understanding of the toxicity of nanoplastics on algae and provide important theoretical support for solving such aquatic ecological environment problems.
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Researchers exposed the marine microalga Chlorella sp. to polystyrene microplastics at concentrations of 10 and 50 mg/L, finding that even low concentrations inhibited growth and disrupted photosynthesis, while higher concentrations caused more pronounced oxidative stress.
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Researchers tested how two sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics (50 nm and 70 nm) affected the common freshwater microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Both sizes reduced algae growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic activity in a dose-dependent manner, with the smaller particles causing more damage. Since microalgae form the base of aquatic food chains, their sensitivity to nanoplastics could have cascading effects on entire freshwater ecosystems.
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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.
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