We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to Impacts of microplastic and seawater acidification on unicellular red algae: Growth response, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and extracellular polymer substances
ClearDual impacts of elevated pCO2 on the ecological effects induced by microplastics and nanoplastics: A study with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Researchers examined how freshwater acidification from elevated carbon dioxide interacts with polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics to affect a common green algae species. They found that smaller nanoplastics caused greater harm than larger microplastics, primarily through oxidative stress, while acidification alone actually promoted algal growth. The study reveals that climate change and plastic pollution can interact in unexpected ways, with acidification sometimes masking or modifying the toxic effects of plastic particles.
Warming coupled with elevated pCO2 modulates microplastic inhibition in a commercial red alga Pyropia haitanensis
Researchers cultured the commercially important red seaweed Pyropia haitanensis under elevated CO₂, warming, and a range of microplastic concentrations, finding that microplastics caused strong concentration-dependent stress on growth and photosynthesis, but that elevated pCO₂ modulated these inhibitory effects.
Adverse effects of microplastics on the growth, photosynthesis, and astaxanthin synthesis of Haematococcus pluvialis
Researchers exposed the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis to polystyrene microplastics and found that while short-term contact briefly stimulated growth, longer exposure inhibited photosynthesis, caused oxidative stress, and impaired the organism's ability to produce astaxanthin, a valuable natural antioxidant. The findings highlight how microplastic pollution could disrupt both aquatic ecosystems and the commercial production of beneficial compounds from algae.
The effect of microplastics pollution in microalgal biomass production: A biochemical study
Scientists exposed the marine microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum to polystyrene microplastics and found that both short- and long-term exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations disrupted biochemical composition including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
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.
The Effect of Polyethylene Microplastics on Growth and Antioxydant Response of Oscillatoria Princeps and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa
Researchers exposed two freshwater algae species to polyethylene microplastics of different sizes and found that the particles disrupted photosynthesis and altered antioxidant enzyme activity. Smaller microplastics generally caused more pronounced effects, and the two species responded differently to the stress. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution in freshwater environments could impair the growth of organisms at the base of aquatic food webs.
Microplastics inhibit the growth of endosymbiotic Symbiodinium tridacnidorum by altering photosynthesis and bacterial community
Researchers exposed a type of algae that lives inside coral to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles slowed cell growth and reduced photosynthesis. At higher concentrations, the microplastics clumped together with the algal cells and caused physical damage. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution could harm coral reef ecosystems by disrupting the essential relationship between corals and their symbiotic algae.
Concentration dependent toxicity of microplastics to marine microalgae
Researchers exposed the marine microalga Chlorella sp. to polystyrene microplastics at concentrations of 10 and 50 mg/L, finding that even low concentrations inhibited growth and disrupted photosynthesis, while higher concentrations caused more pronounced oxidative stress.
Effects of micro- and nano-plastics on growth, antioxidant system, DMS, and DMSP production in Emiliania huxleyi
Researchers exposed a key ocean-dwelling algae species to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found that both sizes impaired growth and triggered oxidative stress. The nanoplastics were more harmful than microplastics, reducing chlorophyll content and altering the production of climate-relevant sulfur compounds. The study suggests that plastic pollution could disrupt ocean algae that play an important role in regulating atmospheric chemistry and climate.
Antagonistic and synergistic effects of warming and microplastics on microalgae: Case study of the red tide species Prorocentrum donghaiense
Researchers exposed the red tide microalgae Prorocentrum donghaiense to different microplastic concentrations and temperatures, finding that microplastics significantly suppressed growth and photosynthesis at 16 degrees C but that higher temperatures (22 and 28 degrees C) partially counteracted these effects at low microplastic doses. The antagonistic and synergistic outcomes of combined warming and microplastic exposure depended on microplastic concentration.
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.
Microplastics impacts in seven flagellate microalgae: Role of size and cell wall
Seven marine flagellate microalgae species were incubated with 1-micrometer polystyrene microplastics at 10 mg/L, revealing that cell size and the presence of a cell wall strongly influenced the degree of microplastic-induced physiological and growth effects across species.
Toxicity of microplastics and nano-plastics to coral-symbiotic alga (Dinophyceae Symbiodinium): Evidence from alga physiology, ultrastructure, OJIP kinetics and multi-omics
Researchers studied how microplastics and nanoplastics damage Symbiodinium, the algae that live inside coral and keep reefs alive. Even at concentrations found in the real environment, the plastic particles disrupted photosynthesis, caused oxidative stress, and triggered metabolic problems in the algae. Since the breakdown of this coral-algae partnership leads to coral bleaching, microplastic pollution could threaten the reef ecosystems that support fisheries and coastal communities worldwide.
Ocean acidification enhances the tolerance of dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense to nanoplastic-induced oxidative stress by modulating photosynthetic performance
The dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense exposed to both nanoplastics and ocean acidification conditions showed that elevated CO₂ enhanced tolerance to nanoplastic-induced oxidative stress by modulating photosynthetic performance, suggesting complex interactions between these stressors.
Differential physiological response of marine and freshwater microalgae to polystyrene microplastics
Researchers compared how polystyrene microplastics affect marine versus freshwater algae species and found that freshwater algae were more severely harmed. While both types showed reduced photosynthesis and increased stress responses, marine algae recovered better over time, possibly due to differences in their cell membranes and ability to handle oxidative damage. Since algae form the base of aquatic food chains, greater damage to freshwater species could have cascading effects on the ecosystems that supply human drinking water and freshwater fish.
Impacts of Microplastics on Photosynthetic Efficiency and Pigment Composition in Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Researchers evaluated how polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics at different concentrations affect photosynthesis and pigment composition in the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa over four days. They found that microplastic exposure impaired photosynthetic efficiency and altered chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. The study highlights the potential for microplastic pollution to disrupt primary producers at the base of aquatic food webs.
Physiological effects of micro-plastics on the red algae, Grateloupia turuturu and Chondrus sp.
This study investigated how polystyrene microspheres affect two species of red algae, finding that the smoother-surfaced species adsorbed fewer microplastics and showed less growth inhibition than the rough-surfaced species. The results suggest that surface characteristics of marine algae influence how microplastics attach to and affect them, with implications for understanding microplastic impacts on marine primary producers.
Micro/nanoplastic-induced stress in microalgae: Latest laboratory evidence and knowledge gaps
This review compiled laboratory evidence on how micro- and nanoplastics stress microalgae — the base of aquatic food webs — covering effects on photosynthesis, growth, oxidative stress, and toxin production. The authors identify key knowledge gaps including environmentally realistic concentrations and combined contaminant effects.
Combinatory effects of microplastics and emerging contaminants on alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Researchers exposed the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to two types of microplastics found in face washes — PVC and an acrylate copolymer — along with the preservative 2-phenoxyethanol, finding that combined exposure had distinct effects on algal growth compared to individual pollutants. This is relevant because microplastics rarely occur alone in the environment, and their interactions with other chemicals can either amplify or dampen ecological harm.
[Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on Growth and Halocarbon Release of Marine Microalgae].
Lab experiments showed that polyethylene microplastics affected two species of marine microalgae differently, inhibiting growth of one while promoting growth of the other. Microplastic stress also increased production of reactive oxygen species and altered the release of volatile halocarbons, trace gases important for climate and ozone chemistry.