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Uptake of Cu2+ by unicellular microalga Chlorella vulgaris from synthetic wastewaters is attenuated by polystyrene microspheres
Summary
This study found that polystyrene microspheres significantly reduced the ability of the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris to absorb copper from wastewater, with positively charged microspheres causing more disruption than negatively charged ones. The findings suggest that microplastics in water can interfere with the natural bioremediation function of algae, potentially affecting both ecosystem services and wastewater treatment.
Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are receiving micro- and macro-plastic pollutants alarmingly from various anthropogenic activities. The complications caused by microplastics are largely unexplored and need substantial studies. In the current study, we investigated the repressive effects of negatively and positively charged polystyrene microspheres of two variable sizes (0.05 and 0.5 μm) on functioning of unicellular green microalgae. For the purpose, a pollution-resistant microalgal species was isolated and identified by 18 S rRNA gene sequencing as Chlorella vulgaris. The functioning of the pure-cultured microalgal cells was then assessed in terms of their better metal (Cu) uptake potential with and without the provision of PS microspheres. The algal cells up took Cu significantly (90% at 75 mg/L) after 15 days of aerobic incubation. However, positively charged polystyrene microspheres remarkably affected the uptake of Cu and it was comparatively reduced to almost 50%, while negatively charged microspheres couldn't influence the Cu uptake potential of C. vulgaris. In addition, size of the microspheres insignificantly affected the metal uptake potential of the microalgae. Unveiled facts of this investigation will be helpful for designing economical and efficient remedial systems based on the in-situ implication of microalgae.
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