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Ecotoxic Effects of Nano Plastic on Freshwater plankton (Scenedesmus obliquus and Daphnia magna)
Summary
Researchers tested whether nanoplastic polystyrene particles affect the growth of green algae and the reproduction of water fleas in the lab. They found growth inhibition in algae at high doses and reproductive effects in water fleas, with the route of exposure (dissolved in water versus eaten with food) significantly influencing the severity of effects.
The amount of nanoand microparticles in the aquatic environment rises due to the industrial production of nanoplastic and the degradation of macroplastic into small particles. Little is known about the fate and effects of nanoplastic, while there are lots of speculations about possible effects. In this study, the effects of nano polystyrene on performance of green algae Scenedesmus obliquus and zooplankton Daphnia magna were assessed. At high doses inhibiting effects on the growth of S. obliquus were shown. During chronic tests the suspensions of nano polystyrene were not lethal to D. magna but reproduction effects were observed. Interestingly, aqueous vs. dietary exposure to nano polystyrene played an important role in the occurrence of effects on D. magna. Thereby this study provides a novel indication about the importance of uptake routes in nano plastic exposure.