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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Influence of synthetic and natural microfibers on the growth, substance exchange, energy accumulation, and oxidative stress of field-collected microalgae compared with microplastic fragment
ClearEffects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics on cell growth, intracellular products and oxidative stress of Scenedesmus sp.
Researchers exposed freshwater microalgae to PET microplastics, a common plastic found in beverage bottles and textiles. Higher concentrations of PET particles significantly reduced algal growth and disrupted the cells' internal production of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. The study suggests that PET microplastic pollution in wastewater could harm the tiny organisms that form the foundation of aquatic food webs.
Impact of Microfibers on the Marine Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Researchers investigated the impact of both natural and synthetic microfibers released during textile washing on the marine microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, measuring effects on growth, photosynthesis, and cellular integrity. The study found that microfiber exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations inhibited algal growth and photosynthetic efficiency, indicating ecotoxicological risks to marine primary producers.
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.
Effect of microplastics exposure on the photosynthesis system of freshwater algae
Researchers investigated how polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics affect the photosynthesis system of freshwater algae and found that both types reduced chlorophyll content and impaired photosynthetic efficiency. The damage was concentration-dependent and worsened over the growth period. The study highlights that microplastic pollution in freshwater can harm algae, which form the base of aquatic food chains.
Natural and synthetic microfibers alter growth and behavior in early life stages of estuarine organisms
Researchers exposed early life stages of estuarine fish and invertebrates to natural cotton and synthetic polyester and polypropylene microfibers commonly found in coastal waters. Both natural and synthetic fibers affected growth and behavior, though synthetic fibers tended to cause more pronounced effects. The study suggests that microfiber pollution in coastal environments poses risks to young marine organisms during their most vulnerable developmental stages.
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.
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.
Length-dependent toxic effects of microplastic fibers on Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Researchers tested how microplastic fibers of different lengths affect a freshwater microalgae species and found that longer fibers caused more severe toxicity. The fibers disrupted cellular protein and genetic material, impaired photosynthesis, and triggered oxidative stress, with 200-micrometer fibers causing the most damage. The study highlights that the shape and size of microplastics matter significantly when assessing their environmental impact on aquatic organisms.
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.
Effects of synthetic and natural microfibers on Daphnia magna–Are they dependent on microfiber type?
Researchers compared the effects of synthetic microfibers (polyester and polypropylene) and natural microfibers (lyocell) on the water flea Daphnia magna. The study found that even natural microfibers caused significant harm, including reduced gut microvilli length, impaired nutrient absorption, growth inhibition, and mortality, confirming that microfiber toxicity is not limited to synthetic materials.
Microplastic interactions with freshwater microalgae: Hetero-aggregation and changes in plastic density appear strongly dependent on polymer type
Researchers studied interactions between microplastics and freshwater microalgae, finding that microplastics can physically attach to algal cells to form hetero-aggregates, altering both particle behavior and algal physiology.
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.
Impact of polyester and cotton microfibers on growth and sublethal biomarkers in juvenile mussels
Researchers exposed juvenile mussels to polyester and cotton microfibers at realistic ocean concentrations for 94 days and found that polyester microfibers reduced mussel growth rates by up to 36%, suggesting that microplastic fiber pollution could harm marine ecosystems and threaten shellfish aquaculture.
Toxic Effects of Microplastics on Culture Scenedesmus quadricauda: Interactions between Microplastics and Algae
Researchers found that microplastics from multiple polymer types inhibit growth of the freshwater alga Scenedesmus quadricauda and induce oxidative stress, with toxicity varying by polymer type, particle size, and concentration.
Microplastic fibers — Underestimated threat to aquatic organisms?
This review highlights that microplastic fibers, mostly from synthetic clothing, are the most commonly found type of microplastic in water but are often overlooked in research. Studies that did examine fibers found they cause tissue damage, reduced growth, and even death in aquatic organisms, particularly smaller creatures at the base of the food chain. Since these organisms are eaten by fish that humans consume, fiber pollution could ultimately affect human health through seafood.
Effects of nano/microplastics on the growth and reproduction of the microalgae, bacteria, fungi, and Daphnia magna in the microcosms
Researchers tested the effects of 14 types of plastic particles and 6 fiber materials on microorganisms and water fleas in both single-species and microcosm experiments. They found that higher concentrations and smaller particle sizes of microplastics led to reduced growth rates in algae and other microorganisms. The study highlights the importance of testing realistic mixtures of plastic types rather than single materials when assessing the ecological risks of microplastic pollution.
Effects of different concentrations and particle sizes of microplastics on the full life history of freshwater Chlorella
Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics of different concentrations and particle sizes affect the complete life cycle of freshwater Chlorella algae. The study found that microplastics can inhibit algal growth by up to 68%, while also altering chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity, indicating that microplastic pollution may pose significant risks to the base of aquatic food webs.
Effects of Microplastic Fibers and Drought on Plant Communities
Researchers added microplastic fibers to plant communities and applied drought stress, finding that microfibers reduced total community productivity and shifted species composition, with combined microplastic-drought stress causing greater harm than either factor alone.
Multi-level approach to investigate sublethal effects caused by synthetic and natural microfibers on Daphnia magna
Researchers exposed freshwater organisms including amphipods and oligochaetes to synthetic and natural microfibers at multiple levels of biological organization, finding that both fiber types caused sublethal physiological and behavioral effects, with synthetic fibers generally producing greater harm.
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.
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.
Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: Detection, occurrence and removal
Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics affect the marine microalga Chaetoceros neogracile and found that exposure reduced growth and photosynthetic activity. The nanoplastics physically attached to the algal cells and triggered oxidative stress, suggesting they can interfere with the base of the marine food web. The study raises concerns that nanoplastic pollution could have cascading effects on ocean ecosystems by harming the tiny organisms that produce much of the world's oxygen.
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.
Microplastic and Organic Fibres in Feeding, Growth and Mortality of Gammarus pulex
Researchers found that microplastic fibres and organic fibres (cotton and wool) had measurable effects on the feeding, growth, and mortality of the freshwater crustacean Gammarus pulex, with both fibre types posing ecological risks in aquatic environments.