Co-Exposure to Glyphosate and Polyethylene Microplastic Affects Their Toxicity to Chlorella vulgaris: Implications for Algal Health and Aquatic Risk

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and glyphosate (GLY) are widespread aquatic contaminants, but their combined effects on microalgae remain poorly understood. This study assessed the individual and joint toxicity of GLY and PE-MPs to the model microalga Chlorella vulgaris. Acute (3-day) and chronic (7-day) exposures were performed using GLY at 1-40 mg/L, alone or combined with PE-MPs (10 mg/L). A four-parameter log-logistic (4PL) model was applied to estimate median effect concentrations (EC50). After 72 h, the EC50 values were 9.77 mg/L for the GLY single system and 2.31 mg/L for the GLY-PE combined system, confirming enhanced toxicity in combined exposures. Co-exposure reduced pigment levels (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) by up to 65% and significantly increased oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species production and malondialdehyde accumulation, compared with single treatments. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) showed concentration- and time-dependent responses, indicating activation of cellular defense mechanisms. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed PE-induced aggregation and structural damage to algal cells, particularly at higher GLY concentrations. These findings demonstrate that PE-MPs can amplify the toxic effects of GLY on microalgae and highlight the need for further studies at environmentally relevant concentrations and with different polymer types.