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The interfacial interaction between Dechlorane Plus (DP) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs): An overlooked influence factor for the algal toxicity of PSNPs
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Researchers investigated how a flame retardant chemical called Dechlorane Plus interacts with polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the two pollutants bind together and become more harmful to algae than either one alone. When exposed to both contaminants simultaneously, algae showed reduced photosynthesis, greater growth inhibition, and significantly increased oxidative damage. The study suggests that the combined effects of nanoplastics and their chemical additives pose greater environmental risks than previously recognized.
As pollution has attracted attention due to its wide distribution. An environmental concern that may be overlooked is that NPs additives are easily released into the environment due to their physical combination with NPs. However, the knowledge gaps still exist about the interfacial reactions of NPs and the additives (e.g. flame retardants) and the joint ecological effect. In the present study, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer coupled with 2D correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis revealed the interfacial reactions between polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP). Results showed that carbon‑oxygen bonds and carbon‑chlorine bonds were the important binding sites during adhesion and DP could reduce the colloidal stability. Single and joint ecological effects of PSNPs and DP on the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris were further deliberated. Reduced photosynthetic efficiency (reduced F/F by 0.03 %), higher growth inhibition (16.15 %) and oxidative damage (increased ROS by 152 %) were observed in algae under co-exposure. Notably, DP could significantly increase the attachment of PSNPs to the surface of the algae. Metabolomics further revealed that co-exposure significantly down-regulated amino acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, and up-regulated fatty acid metabolism. The present study provides new insights into the risk assessment of NPs in aquatic environment by investigating the interfacial reaction mechanism and combined ecotoxicity of NPs and additives.
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Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and PCB-44 exposure on growth and physiological biochemistry of Chlorella vulgaris
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Researchers studied the combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and a common industrial pollutant (PCB-44) on a freshwater green algae species over both short and long exposure periods. They found that both contaminants individually inhibited algae growth and disrupted cell functions, but their combined presence intensified the damage. The study highlights that when nanoplastics and chemical pollutants co-exist in water, they can create compounding harmful effects on aquatic organisms.
Ecotoxicity of emerging pollutants: Interactive impact of polystyrene nanoplastics and Metanil yellow on Artemia salina
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Researchers exposed a common marine test animal, brine shrimp, to polystyrene nanoplastics combined with a synthetic yellow dye and found the mixture was far more toxic than either substance alone, killing over 93% of shrimp. The dye coated the nanoplastic surfaces, increased particle size, and amplified oxidative stress, showing that nanoplastics can make co-existing pollutants more dangerous.
Algal EPS modifies the toxicity potential of the mixture of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and triphenyl phosphate in freshwater microalgae Chlorella sp.
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Researchers found that a natural substance produced by algae (extracellular polymeric substances, or EPS) can reduce the toxic effects of nanoplastics combined with a flame retardant chemical in freshwater. The EPS coated the nanoplastics and reduced their ability to harm algal cells. This natural protective mechanism could play an important role in how aquatic ecosystems buffer against the combined threat of microplastics and chemical pollutants.
Toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (chrysene and fluoranthene) on the growth and physiological characteristics of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
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Researchers tested how polystyrene nanoplastics combined with two common pollutants (chrysene and fluoranthene, found in vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions) affect green algae. The combination reduced algae growth, damaged cell membranes, and triggered oxidative stress more severely than either pollutant alone. Since algae are the foundation of aquatic food chains, this combined toxicity from nanoplastics and common environmental pollutants could have cascading effects on water ecosystems and the organisms that depend on them.
Interactive effect of nanoplastic particles and phototoxicant on microalgae
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Researchers studied the combined effects of polystyrene nanoparticles and methylene blue, a phototoxic compound, on two species of freshwater microalgae. Depending on concentrations and exposure duration, the combination produced synergistic, additive, or antagonistic toxic effects on algal growth. The study highlights that nanoplastics can modify the toxicity of other pollutants in complex and sometimes unpredictable ways.
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