We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Unraveling the toxic mechanisms of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem: A case study on Vallisneria natans and Myriophyllum verticillatum
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed two submerged aquatic plant species (Vallisneria natans and Myriophyllum verticillatum) to PVC, polystyrene, and polyethylene microplastics at three concentrations, finding that all three types significantly inhibited photosynthesis and growth and triggered oxidative stress, with effects varying by plastic type and plant species.
Microplastics (MPs) have become ubiquitous pollutants in diverse ecosystems, with aquatic environments increasingly identified as major sinks. Nevertheless, the ecological risks and toxic effects of MPs on submerged macrophytes remain poorly understood. This study examined the impacts of three common MPs including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) at varying concentrations (10 mg/L; 50 mg/L; 100 mg/L) on two submerged plant, Vallisneria natans (V. natans) and Myriophyllum verticillatum (M. verticillatum). The results demonstrated that MPs significantly inhibited the growth of submerged macrophytes, triggered antioxidant responses, and caused membrane damage. Metabolomics analysis revealed that PVC MPs disrupted key metabolic pathways, including pyrimidine metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as β-alanine degradation in V. natans. Furthermore, MPs reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) levels in the water, promoting the proliferation of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi in sediments and biofilms. These findings suggest that the toxic mechanisms of MPs on submerged macrophytes primarily involve water quality degradation, shifts in the abundance of dominant microorganisms in sediments and biofilms, and the induction of physiological and metabolic disturbances within the plants. The study provides new insights into the broader ecological implications of MPs in aquatic ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
[Effects of Microplastics on the Growth and Physiology Characteristics of Ceratophyllum demersum and Hydrilla verticillata].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (100 micrometer, 50 and 100 mg/L) on growth and physiological characteristics of two submerged aquatic plants, Ceratophyllum demersum and Hydrilla verticillata, under single and mixed cultivation. The study found that microplastic exposure altered plant growth metrics and physiological parameters in a concentration- and polymer-type-dependent manner, informing understanding of microplastic ecological effects in aquatic vegetation.
Toxicity mechanism of microplastics on the growth traits and metabolic pathways of Vallisneria natans under different light environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how microplastics affect the aquatic plant Vallisneria natans under different light conditions and found that strong light significantly increased microplastic accumulation on leaves and roots. The combination of high light and microplastics caused the most severe disruption to photosynthesis, energy metabolism, and triggered elevated oxidative stress. The findings suggest that environmental conditions like light intensity can amplify the harmful effects of microplastic pollution on freshwater plants.
[Effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the growth, physiology, and biochemical characteristics of Hydrilla verticillata].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed an aquatic plant to increasing concentrations of polystyrene microplastics and found that high doses stunted plant height, reduced chlorophyll, and impaired photosynthesis. Submerged aquatic plants form the base of freshwater food webs, and their disruption by microplastic pollution could cascade through aquatic ecosystems.
Responses of submerged plant Vallisneria natans growth and leaf biofilms to water contaminated with microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the submerged aquatic plant Vallisneria natans to environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics and observed increased antioxidant enzyme activity and cellular organelle damage. The microplastics also altered the microbial community composition on leaf biofilms. The findings indicate that even moderate microplastic concentrations can disrupt plant defense mechanisms and shift the microbial ecology of aquatic environments.
Impact of microplastics on aquatic flora: Recent status, mechanisms of their toxicity and bioremediation strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics affect aquatic plants, from microscopic algae to larger vegetation, by physically blocking sunlight and pores and disrupting photosynthesis, reproduction, and nutrient uptake. Prolonged exposure triggers excessive production of harmful reactive oxygen species in plant cells, which can lead to cell death. The authors also highlight bioremediation approaches, including certain plants and microorganisms that can adsorb or break down microplastics by 25 to 80 percent in laboratory settings.
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.