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Combined toxic impact of polystyrene nanoplastics and a flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on freshwater algae Scenedesmus obliquus
Summary
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.