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The influence of polypropylene- and polyethylene microplastics on the quality of Spirulina sp. harvests
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Researchers found that both polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics reduced the growth rate and affected the nutritional quality of Spirulina algae over 30 days of exposure. These effects have implications for aquaculture operations where microplastic contamination of algal cultures is a growing concern.
Microplastics are polymer-based materials that require a variety of organic and inorganic chemical additives during the manufacturing process. These chemicals have an impact on aquatic organisms. This study aimed to quantify the impact of microplastics on the growth and quality of microalgae Spirulina sp. We studied the interaction between Spirulina sp. and 500 mg of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics. Three glass bioreactors containing 2 L of Spirulina sp. were observed for 30 days. The first bioreactor was untreated and acted as a control. The second was treated with PE microplastic of 1 mm in size, and the third was treated with similarly sized PP microplastics. Each day, the optical density (OD) was measured to determine the rate of growth of the Spirulina sp. After harvesting, the Spirulina sp. biomass was dried in an oven at 30-35oC for 24 hrs and subsequently analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). With PE treatment, the results showed a change in the organic structure on Spirulina sp., as well as a decline of polysaccharides and the loss of one peak at wave number 875.45 cm-1 . Meanwhile, in Spirulina sp. with PP treatment, two peaks that showed polysaccharides at wavelengths of 875.45 cm-1 and 1,245.67 cm-1 were lost. The results also indicated that microplastics had a significant impact on the growth and the quality of Spirulina sp., especially in decreased polysaccharide content.
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Impacts of polyethylene microplastics on the microalga, Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis)
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This study examined how polyethylene microplastics affect Spirulina, a widely cultivated blue-green algae used in food and supplements. Researchers found that at higher concentrations, microplastics reduced Spirulina growth and caused oxidative stress, while the algae also physically entangled with the plastic particles. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination could threaten both natural algal ecosystems and the commercial production of this important food source.
Interactions between polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics and Spirulina sp. microalgae in aquatic systems
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Researchers evaluated interactions between polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics and Spirulina microalgae, finding that microplastics inhibited algal growth and pigment production while Spirulina showed limited ability to degrade the plastic surfaces.
Spotlight on the long-term effects of micro/nanoplastics exposure on Spirulina platensis: Algal cells, extracellular polymeric substances, and phycocyanin
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Scientists studied the effects of micro and nanoplastics on Spirulina, a nutritional algae widely used as a food supplement, over a 50-day period. The plastic particles slowed Spirulina growth, damaged cell surfaces, and initially reduced the quality and quantity of phycocyanin, a valuable blue pigment. Since Spirulina is consumed by humans as a health food, microplastic contamination in algae culture environments could affect the quality and safety of these supplements.
The impact of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on physiological and biochemical parameters of the microalgae Spirulina platensis
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Researchers exposed the microalgae Spirulina platensis to polystyrene nanoplastics at three concentrations over 20 days and found dose-dependent reductions in growth rate, dry weight, and photosynthetic pigments alongside increased oxidative stress markers, indicating nanoplastics impair algal physiology even at relatively low exposure levels.
Microplastic contamination of packaged spirulina products
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Researchers tested 29 commercially available spirulina products in various packaging types and found microplastic contamination in the samples. The study suggests that packaging materials may be a source of microplastic contamination in health food products, raising questions about quality control in the dietary supplement supply chain.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.