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Interaction between polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic and microalgae (Scenedesmus spp.): Effect on the growth, chlorophyll content, and hetero-aggregation
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Researchers exposed two types of freshwater microalgae to PET microplastics at various concentrations, finding that higher levels significantly stunted growth, reduced chlorophyll, and caused the algae to cluster around the plastic particles. This "hetero-aggregation" behavior suggests microplastics can physically trap microalgae, potentially disrupting aquatic food webs that depend on algae as a foundation.
Microplastics have become a global environmental concern due to their ubiquitous presence and persistence in the environment and have been identified as a major pollutant in aquatic environments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic (25–200 mg/L) on the growth, chlorophyll content, and toxicity of Scenedesmus sp. from aquatic and terrestrial habitats over a period of 24 days. Our results showed that microplastics with higher concentration (200 mg/L) have a significantly higher inhibitory effect. Also, higher concentration of extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) were found on microalgae exposed to the microplastic. Further, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images revealed that microalgae attached to microplastic surfaces and formed hetero-aggregation. Overall, our study provided valuable information for understanding the complex effects of microplastics on microalgae, particularly in comparing the differential effects on aquatic and terrestrial Scenedesmus sp.
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Effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics on cell growth, intracellular products and oxidative stress of Scenedesmus sp.
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Researchers exposed freshwater microalgae to PET microplastics, a common plastic found in beverage bottles and textiles. Higher concentrations of PET particles significantly reduced algal growth and disrupted the cells' internal production of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. The study suggests that PET microplastic pollution in wastewater could harm the tiny organisms that form the foundation of aquatic food webs.
Microplastic interactions with freshwater microalgae: Hetero-aggregation and changes in plastic density appear strongly dependent on polymer type
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Researchers studied interactions between microplastics and freshwater microalgae, finding that microplastics can physically attach to algal cells to form hetero-aggregates, altering both particle behavior and algal physiology.
Determination of polyethylene microplastics toxicity by microalgae Scenedesmus sp.
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This study investigated the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics on the freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus sp. Results showed that microplastics inhibited algal growth and photosynthesis, indicating potential harm to aquatic ecosystems.
Effects of polypropylene and polyethylene microplastics on growth and photosynthetic pigment synthesis by Scenedesmus sp.
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Researchers tested the effects of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics on the growth and photosynthetic pigments of Scenedesmus microalgae at three concentrations. They found that microplastic exposure negatively impacted both algal growth and chlorophyll production regardless of polymer type, with smaller particles and higher concentrations causing the most pronounced effects. The study also detected several phthalate compounds leaching from the microplastics, raising additional ecological concerns.
Toxic Effects of Microplastics on Culture Scenedesmus quadricauda: Interactions between Microplastics and Algae
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Researchers found that microplastics from multiple polymer types inhibit growth of the freshwater alga Scenedesmus quadricauda and induce oxidative stress, with toxicity varying by polymer type, particle size, and concentration.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.