We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Role of extracellular polymeric substances in leaching and bioconcentration of benzophenone-3 from microplastic fragments
Summary
Researchers found that extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the alga Chlorella vulgaris reduced leaching of the UV filter benzophenone-3 (BP-3) from polyethylene microplastics under most conditions, but that Daphnia magna still bioconcentrated the chemical, demonstrating complex interactions between microplastics, biopolymers, and additive toxicity.
Adverse effects of microplastics (MPs) are exacerbated by plastic additives such as benzophenone-3 (BP-3). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Chlorella vulgaris in leaching BP-3 additive (3.0 ± 0.2% wt/wt) from polyethylene MP fragments (99.8 ± 4.1 µm) and subsequent bioconcentration in Daphnia magna. BP-3 leaching in M4 medium was higher at pH 8 than at pH 6, because of the higher solubility of BP-3 (pK=7.07) at pH 8. However, EPS reduced BP-3 leaching in M4 medium, possibly because of repulsive interactions between the negatively charged EPS and anionic BP-3. Thus, BP-3 leaching was greater at lower pH (6 >8) and EPS concentration (20 >50 mg L as total organic carbon), which was well related to BP-3 sorption capacity of EPS. Although BP-3 uptake in D. magna was decreased at pH 8 by increasing EPS concentration, the bioconcentration of BP-3 in D. magna was increased, possibly because of reduced BP-3 elimination. These findings suggest the important role of EPS in the bioconcentration of anionic plastic additives, which should be further evaluated to understand the underlying toxicokinetic mechanisms.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The influence of microplastics on the toxic effects and biodegradation of bisphenol A in the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics inhibited the biodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA) by the microalga Chlorella vulgaris, with combined exposure showing greater toxicity than either contaminant alone due to BPA adsorption onto microplastic surfaces.
Algal EPS modifies the toxicity potential of the mixture of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and triphenyl phosphate in freshwater microalgae Chlorella sp.
Researchers found that a natural substance produced by algae (extracellular polymeric substances, or EPS) can reduce the toxic effects of nanoplastics combined with a flame retardant chemical in freshwater. The EPS coated the nanoplastics and reduced their ability to harm algal cells. This natural protective mechanism could play an important role in how aquatic ecosystems buffer against the combined threat of microplastics and chemical pollutants.
Role of benzophenone-3 additive in chronic toxicity of polyethylene microplastic fragments to Daphnia magna
Researchers studied how the UV-filter additive benzophenone-3 in polyethylene microplastics affects chronic toxicity in the water flea Daphnia magna. Surprisingly, daphnids exposed to microplastics containing BP-3 had higher survival rates than those exposed to plain microplastics, likely because BP-3 leachate altered the organisms' light-seeking behavior, reducing their microplastic intake. However, both BP-3-containing microplastics and BP-3 alone negatively affected reproduction, suggesting the additive introduces distinct toxicity concerns.
Hetero-Aggregation of Nanoplastics with Freshwater Algae and the Toxicological Consequences: The Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances
Researchers studied how polystyrene and polylactic acid nanoplastics hetero-aggregate with the alga Chlorella vulgaris, finding that extracellular polymeric substances released by algae strongly influenced aggregation behavior and that aggregation altered the toxicity of nanoplastics.
Algal extracellular polymeric substances (algal-EPS) for mitigating the combined toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and nano-TiO2 in Chlorella sp.
This study found that algal extracellular polymeric substances can coat both polystyrene nanoplastics and titanium dioxide nanoparticles and reduce their combined toxic effects on the green alga Chlorella, suggesting that natural organic matter in marine environments can buffer combined nanoparticle toxicity.