We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Interactive adverse effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics on marine microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the toxicological effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics on the marine microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans. They found concentration-dependent inhibition of algal growth up to 85 percent, along with reduced photosynthetic efficiency and significant oxidative stress responses. The microplastics physically adhered to algal cell walls, causing observable structural damage, suggesting that polyethylene microplastic pollution may pose serious risks to marine phytoplankton at the base of ocean food chains.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is broadly utilized worldwide, increasing more dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the majority ends up in the aquatic environment as microplastics. The influence of polyethylene microplastics (LDPE-MPs) on aquatic ecosystems still needs further investigation, especially on microalgae as typical organisms represented in all aquatic systems and at the base of the trophic chain. Thereby, the biological and toxicity impacts of LDPE-MPs on Chaetoceros calcitrans were examined in this work. The results revealed that LDPE-MPs had a concentration-dependent adverse effect on the growth and performance of C. calcitrans. LDPE-MPs contributed the maximum inhibition rates of 85%, 51.3%, 21.49% and 16.13% on algal growth chlorophyll content, φPSII and F/F, respectively. The total protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly increased at 25 mg L LDPE-MPs by 1.37, 3.52, 2.75 and 1.84 folds higher than those of the controls to sustain the adverse effects of LDPE-MPs. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and monosaccharides contents of C. calcitrans were improved under low concentration of LDPE-MPs, which could facilitate the adsorption of MPs particles on the microalgae cell wall. This adsorption caused significant physical damage to the algal cell structure, as observed by SEM. These results suggest that the ecological footprint of MPs may require more attention, particularly due to the continuing breakdown of plastics in the ecosystem.
More Papers Like This
The toxicological effects of low-density polyethylene microplastic particles (LDPE-MPs) on the growth and metabolic activities of the marine diatom Chaetoceros muellerii
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the marine diatom Chaetoceros muellerii to LDPE microplastics at varying concentrations and particle sizes and found dose-, size-, and time-dependent growth inhibition reaching 60.87%, alongside reductions in chlorophyll, protein, and carbohydrate content, while lipid content increased.
Concentration dependent toxicity of microplastics to marine microalgae
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: Detection, occurrence and removal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics affect the marine microalga Chaetoceros neogracile and found that exposure reduced growth and photosynthetic activity. The nanoplastics physically attached to the algal cells and triggered oxidative stress, suggesting they can interfere with the base of the marine food web. The study raises concerns that nanoplastic pollution could have cascading effects on ocean ecosystems by harming the tiny organisms that produce much of the world's oxygen.
Microplastic toxicity in marine microalgae: an ecotoxicological synthesis of experimental biological responses
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Concentration dependent toxicity of microplastics to marine microalgae
AI summary Read the abstract
A dose-response study of microplastic effects on marine microalgae found concentration-dependent toxicity across multiple species, with higher MP concentrations reducing growth rates, photosynthesis efficiency, and chlorophyll content, confirming that microplastics pose risks to the base of marine food webs.
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.