Effects of Microplastic Leachates on Phytoplankton : A Laboratory Study on Nodularia spumigena and Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Summary

This thesis investigated the effects of chemical leachates from microplastics on two phytoplankton species, a cyanobacterium and a diatom, in controlled laboratory experiments. Researchers measured growth and physiological responses of the microalgae when exposed to water extracts from plastic materials. The study contributes to understanding the indirect toxicity of microplastics to primary producers through dissolved chemical release.