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Micro/nanoplastic-induced stress in microalgae: Latest laboratory evidence and knowledge gaps
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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.
Pollution by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is a major concern today, with direct consequences for human health and the environment. Microalgae, among the main primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, suffer from MNPs contamination due to the worrying amount of plastic waste and its persistence in the environment. This problem has mobilized international organizations and raised awareness among the scientific community for the identification of effective solutions. Policies aimed at reducing plastic products, waste management, and recycling are attempting to limit this problem; however, plastic pollution appears to be irreversible. Therefore, a critical analysis of the effects of MNPs on various microorganisms (e.g., microalgae) is urgently needed. Therefore, the objective of this review was to identify the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on microalgal populations, based on the currently available literature. Particular attention was paid to available laboratory studies on MNPs effects on microalgae physiology - as growth rate, pigment content, photosynthetic activity, oxidative stress - and morphology, with the aim of providing an update on the state of the art.
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This review summarizes 43 experimental studies on how microplastics affect marine microalgae, tiny ocean organisms that form the base of marine food webs. Researchers found most studies focused on polystyrene and polyethylene particles, measuring effects on growth, cell stress, and photosynthesis. Gaps remain in studying DNA damage, particle clumping, and long-term, realistic exposure conditions.
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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.
Micro/nano-plastics and microalgae in aquatic environment: Influence factor, interaction, and molecular mechanisms.
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This review examined the interactions between micro/nanoplastics and microalgae in aquatic environments, summarizing how plastic particle size, surface chemistry, and co-pollutants influence algal toxicity through oxidative stress, photosynthesis inhibition, and gene expression changes.
Microplastics – An emerging contaminants for algae. Critical review and perspectives
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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.
Effects of nanoplastics on microalgae and their trophic transfer along the food chain: recent advances and perspectives
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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.
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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.