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Combined toxic impact of polystyrene nanoplastics and a flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on freshwater algae Scenedesmus obliquus
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) combined with a common flame retardant chemical (TBBPA) harm freshwater algae more than either pollutant does alone, slowing their growth and damaging their cells. Since algae form the base of aquatic food webs, this matters because these tiny organisms feed everything from small fish to the seafood we eventually eat, meaning pollution "teamwork" in our waterways could have ripple effects up the food chain and, ultimately, onto our plates.
Nanoplastics (NPs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are emerging contaminants in the aquatic system. However, their combined effects on primary producers remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of NPs, TBBPA, and their combination on the freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus. This study employed field emission scanning electron microscopy, liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis to characterize the materials and assess their interactions. The mixture of NPs with TBBPA showed enhanced growth inhibition, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity while reducing photosynthetic pigment levels compared to pristine TBBPA. Collectively, these findings provide critical insights into the co-exposure of NPs and TBBPA, highlighting the ecotoxicological risk to primary producers in freshwater ecosystems.
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This review synthesizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics harm algae — disrupting growth, pigmentation, photosynthesis, and oxidative balance — while also exploring algae as a promising eco-friendly method to remove plastic particles from water. Because algae anchor aquatic food webs as primary producers, MNP-driven algal stress cascades upward through trophic levels, ultimately threatening ecosystem health and human seafood safety.
The influence of microplastics on the toxic effects and biodegradation of bisphenol A in the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
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Researchers discovered that polystyrene microplastics worsen the toxic effects of the common chemical bisphenol A (BPA) on green algae, suggesting that microplastics in aquatic environments can amplify the harm caused by other pollutants and may have cascading effects on aquatic food chains.
Micro/nanoplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: An Integrated Review of Occurrence, Toxicological Implications, Case Studies, Methodologies, and Future Recommendations
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This integrated review covers the occurrence, toxicology, and detection of micro- and nanoplastics across freshwater, marine, and estuarine ecosystems, using case studies to illustrate biomagnification through aquatic food webs and the compounding risk from co-occurring chemical contaminants. The review calls for stronger international collaboration and policy frameworks grounded in scientific evidence, recognizing that the pervasive nature of micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic systems poses escalating risks to both ecosystem integrity and human health.
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