We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Effects of microplastics on coastal planktonic community
ClearEffects of microplastics on freshwater and marine microalgae
This book chapter reviews the effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine microalgae, covering how different plastic types and sizes affect algal growth, photosynthesis, and reproduction. Microalgae form the base of aquatic food webs, so plastic-induced disruption to algal communities could have cascading effects throughout ecosystems.
Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Photosynthesis Activities of Photoautotrophs: A Mini-Review
This mini-review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics affect photosynthesis in algae, plants, and cyanobacteria. Microplastics can block light, damage cell membranes, and disrupt the biochemical machinery of photosynthesis, reducing the productivity of primary producers. Since photosynthetic organisms form the base of most food chains and produce much of Earth's oxygen, these impacts have broad ecological consequences.
Ecological implications beyond the ecotoxicity of plastic debris on marine phytoplankton assemblage structure and functioning
PVC, polystyrene, and polyethylene microplastics and nanoplastics significantly reduced phytoplankton cell density, with polymer type being a key factor; given phytoplankton's role in atmospheric CO2 fixation, plastic pollution could potentially impact the marine carbon pump.
Gross Negligence: Impacts of Microplastics and Plastic Leachates on Phytoplankton Community and Ecosystem Dynamics
This review examines how microplastics and chemical leachates from plastic debris affect phytoplankton, the microscopic organisms that form the base of aquatic food webs and produce much of Earth's oxygen. Researchers found that these pollutants can alter phytoplankton growth, photosynthesis, and community composition, with cascading effects on ecosystem health. The study warns that disruption of phytoplankton communities could have far-reaching consequences for ocean productivity and global carbon cycles.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems: impacts on diatom communities
This review examines how microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems affects diatom communities, which are microscopic algae forming the base of many aquatic food webs. Researchers found that microplastics can alter diatom growth, community composition, and photosynthetic activity, while diatoms in turn colonize microplastic surfaces forming biofilms. The study highlights the complex interactions between microplastics and these ecologically important organisms, suggesting potential cascading effects through aquatic food chains.
Effect of Microplastics on Aquatic Food Chain and Food Web Altering Phytoplankton Community Structure
This review examines how microplastics affect phytoplankton community structure and how these effects propagate through aquatic food chains and food webs, with implications for nutrient cycling and ecosystem services.
Concentration dependent toxicity of microplastics to marine microalgae
A dose-response study of microplastic effects on marine microalgae found concentration-dependent toxicity across multiple species, with higher MP concentrations reducing growth rates, photosynthesis efficiency, and chlorophyll content, confirming that microplastics pose risks to the base of marine food webs.
Warming and microplastic pollution shape the carbon and nitrogen cycles of algae
Researchers investigated how ocean warming combined with microplastic pollution affects carbon and nitrogen cycling in marine diatoms and dinoflagellates, revealing that these combined stressors alter key biochemical processes in dominant phytoplankton species.
Polystyrene microplastics alter plankton community and enhance greenhouse gas emissions: A case study in the China coastal sea
Researchers demonstrated through ship-based and laboratory experiments that polystyrene microplastics suppress phytoplankton growth by up to 82 percent and increase dissolved organic carbon accumulation in coastal seawater. The microplastics restructured plankton communities and enhanced the production of brominated volatile halocarbons, which are ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in coastal waters may have cascading effects on marine carbon cycling and atmospheric chemistry.
Persistence and Recovery of Polystyrene and Polymethyl Methacrylate Microplastic Toxicity on Diatoms
Researchers tested whether the toxic effects of polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate microplastics on marine diatoms persist after the plastic particles are removed. They found that both types of microplastics inhibited algal growth, increased oxidative stress, and caused structural damage, with some effects lingering even after a recovery period. The study suggests that even temporary microplastic exposure can cause lasting harm to the tiny algae that produce nearly 40% of the ocean's oxygen.
Ecotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics on aquatic algae: Facts, challenges, and future opportunities
This review provides a comprehensive assessment of how micro- and nanoplastics harm aquatic algae, which form the base of ocean and freshwater food chains. The toxic effects include reduced growth, oxidative stress, and disrupted photosynthesis, with nanoplastics generally causing more damage than larger particles. Since algae support the entire aquatic food web, their decline from plastic pollution could reduce the quality and safety of fish and shellfish consumed by people.
The combined effects of ocean warming and microplastic pollution on marine phytoplankton community dynamics
Researchers studied the combined effects of microplastic pollution and rising ocean temperatures on tiny marine plants called phytoplankton. While microplastics alone had minimal impact at current temperatures, when combined with warmer water conditions, phytoplankton biomass dropped by 41% and diversity fell by nearly 39%. The study suggests that climate change may dramatically amplify the harmful effects of microplastic pollution on the ocean organisms responsible for a significant portion of global carbon capture.
Meta-analysis for systematic review of global micro/nano-plastics contamination versus various freshwater microalgae: Toxicological effect patterns, taxon-specific response, and potential eco-risks
A meta-analysis of 1,071 observations found that nanoplastics cause more severe cell membrane damage than microplastics, while microplastics more strongly inhibit photosynthesis in freshwater microalgae. Among polymer types, polyamide caused the highest growth inhibition, polystyrene induced the most toxin release, and diatoms were the most sensitive algal group while cyanobacteria showed exceptional resilience.
The microplastic menace: a critical review of its impact on marine photoautotrophs and their environment
This review examines how microplastics interact with marine macro- and microalgae, covering environmental prevalence, genetic responses to MP exposure, and mitigation strategies. It finds that annual introduction of 28.5 million tons of plastic into oceans threatens marine primary producers and indirectly affects marine food webs and human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood.
Microplastic-induced apoptosis and metabolism responses in marine Dinoflagellate, Karenia mikimotoi
Researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics of polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate induced apoptosis and disrupted metabolism in the harmful algal bloom dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi, with effects varying by plastic size and polymer type.
Evaluating physiological responses of microalgae towards environmentally coexisting microplastics: A meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of 52 studies found that microplastics inhibit microalgal growth and photosynthesis and induce oxidative damage, though microalgae can recover over time. Cyanobacteria are more vulnerable than green algae, and the relative size of microplastics to algal cells governs the mechanism of impact, while aged versus pristine microplastics have opposite effects on extracellular polymeric substance and microcystin production.
Finding the missing piece of the aquatic plastic pollution puzzle: Interaction between primary producers and microplastics
This review examines the understudied interactions between microplastics and aquatic primary producers such as algae and cyanobacteria. Evidence indicates that microplastics can alter photosynthesis, growth rates, gene expression, and colony morphology in these organisms, potentially through adhesion or transfer of adsorbed pollutants. The authors argue that understanding microplastic impacts on primary producers is a critical missing piece in assessing the full ecological consequences of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Evidence that microplastics at environmentally relevant concentration and size interfere with energy metabolism of microalgal community
In a community of three algae species, environmentally realistic concentrations of micron-sized microplastics reduced sugar production and increased energy consumption in the cells. The microplastics interfered with algal movement, nutrient absorption, and caused lasting oxidative stress and DNA damage. Since algae are the foundation of aquatic food chains, this disruption at realistic pollution levels could ripple through ecosystems that ultimately affect human food sources.
Impact of polystyrene microplastics on the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of diatom Chaetoceros neogracile
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics significantly reduced the growth and photosynthetic ability of the diatom Chaetoceros neogracile, an important part of the ocean food web. Higher concentrations of microplastics caused more damage, decreasing the algae's ability to produce energy from light. Since diatoms are a foundational food source in the ocean, this disruption could ripple through the food chain and ultimately affect the quality of seafood that reaches people's plates.
Impact of facemask debris on marine diatoms: Physiology, surface properties, sinking rate, and copepod ingestion
Laboratory experiments showed that plastic debris shed by discarded surgical masks inhibits the growth of marine diatoms (microscopic algae that form the base of ocean food chains) and alters their cell surface properties at the nanoscale. Diatoms exposed to mask debris were eaten less by copepods and sank faster, disrupting the normal flow of carbon through the marine ecosystem. The findings reveal a novel pathway by which pandemic-era plastic waste can cascade through oceanic food webs.
Research advances on impacts micro/nanoplastics and their carried pollutants on algae in aquatic ecosystems: A review
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics harm algae, which are the foundation of aquatic food chains, by slowing growth, reducing photosynthesis, and damaging cells. The effects are worse when microplastics carry other pollutants on their surfaces, creating a combined toxic effect. Since algae support the entire aquatic food web, damage to these organisms can ripple upward through fish and shellfish to affect the safety of seafood consumed by humans.
Effects of microplastics on microalgae populations: A critical review
This critical review examines how microplastics affect microalgae populations, which are essential primary producers at the base of aquatic food webs. Researchers found that microplastics can reduce algal growth, impair photosynthesis, and cause oxidative stress, with effects varying by plastic type, size, and concentration. The study highlights that harm to microalgae from plastic pollution could have cascading effects throughout entire aquatic ecosystems.
Do microplastics affect marine ecosystem productivity?
This study estimated the potential impact of microplastics on marine ecosystem productivity (algae and zooplankton growth) by synthesizing lab toxicity data. The analysis suggested that current environmental microplastic concentrations may reduce primary productivity in some ocean regions, with knock-on effects up the food chain.
Distribution and diversity of diatoms with relation to the type of microplastics in sonmiani bay waters, Pakistan
Researchers examined diatom species diversity in Sonmiani Bay, Pakistan in relation to microplastic type and concentration, investigating how microplastic contamination affects the distribution and abundance of these unicellular photoautotrophic microalgae in coastal waters.