We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ecotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics on aquatic algae: Facts, challenges, and future opportunities
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a comprehensive assessment of how micro- and nanoplastics harm aquatic algae, which form the base of ocean and freshwater food chains. The toxic effects include reduced growth, oxidative stress, and disrupted photosynthesis, with nanoplastics generally causing more damage than larger particles. Since algae support the entire aquatic food web, their decline from plastic pollution could reduce the quality and safety of fish and shellfish consumed by people.
The production of plastic has exponentially increased in recent years, leading to the release of millions of tons of plastic waste into the environment annually. This waste can break down into smaller micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) that are toxic and reactive to life forms, including humans. MNPs are particularly concerning for marine biologists and environmental scientists due to their toxic impacts on aquatic organisms, including algae, which are the foundation of the food chain. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the (eco)toxicity assessment of MNPs on aquatic algal communities, highlighting the novel insights gained into the ecotoxicity of various MNPs on algae and the associated health risks for aquatic ecosystems, food chains, and humans. This article also discusses current challenges and future research opportunities to address these challenges, making it a valuable contribution to the field of environmental science. Overall, this work is one of the first efforts to comprehensively assess the effects of MNPs on aquatic algae, emphasizing the significant risks that MNPs pose to essential ecosystems and human health.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics – An emerging contaminants for algae. Critical review and perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics affect algae, which are the foundation of aquatic food chains. Microplastics can reduce algae growth, disrupt photosynthesis, and cause oxidative stress, with smaller nanoplastics being more harmful. Since algae are at the base of the food web, damage to them can ripple through ecosystems and ultimately affect the seafood that humans consume.
Research advances on impacts micro/nanoplastics and their carried pollutants on algae in aquatic ecosystems: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics harm algae, which are the foundation of aquatic food chains, by slowing growth, reducing photosynthesis, and damaging cells. The effects are worse when microplastics carry other pollutants on their surfaces, creating a combined toxic effect. Since algae support the entire aquatic food web, damage to these organisms can ripple upward through fish and shellfish to affect the safety of seafood consumed by humans.
Microplastic pollution disrupts microalgal physiology globally: a meta-analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
A large analysis of 67 studies found that microplastics harm the tiny algae that form the base of freshwater food chains, stunting their growth, reducing their numbers, and impairing photosynthesis, with the smallest "nanoplastic" particles causing the most damage. Since these algae produce oxygen and support the entire aquatic food web (including fish we eat), widespread plastic pollution could ripple upward, potentially affecting water quality and food supplies that humans depend on.
Micro/nanoplastic-induced stress in microalgae: Latest laboratory evidence and knowledge gaps
AI summary Read the abstract
This review compiled laboratory evidence on how micro- and nanoplastics stress microalgae — the base of aquatic food webs — covering effects on photosynthesis, growth, oxidative stress, and toxin production. The authors identify key knowledge gaps including environmentally realistic concentrations and combined contaminant effects.
Effects of nanoplastics on microalgae and their trophic transfer along the food chain: recent advances and perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized evidence on how nanoplastics affect microalgae — including growth inhibition, oxidative stress, and altered photosynthesis — and examined trophic transfer of nanoplastics up the food chain, finding that toxicity depended on NP concentration, size, and surface charge.
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.