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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Does functionalised nanoplastics modulate the cellular and physiological responses of aquatic fungi to metals?
ClearNanoplastics intensify metal-induced impacts in freshwater ecosystems
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics — both bare and carboxylated — intensified metal-induced impairment of leaf litter decomposition by aquatic hyphomycetes in freshwater microcosms, with combined stressor effects observed at environmentally relevant concentrations and amplified at higher exposures.
Response of a simulated aquatic fungal community to nanoplastics exposure and functional consequence on leaf decomposition
Researchers exposed a simulated stream fungal community to nano-polystyrene and found that even low concentrations (1–100 µg/L) suppressed fungal reproduction and reduced the abundance of Geotrichum candidum, slowing leaf litter decomposition by up to 27.9% and disrupting a key aquatic nutrient cycling function.
Influence of polystyrene microplastic and nanoplastic on copper toxicity in two freshwater microalgae
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics affect the toxicity of copper to two freshwater microalgae species over extended exposure periods. They found that microplastics generally reduced copper toxicity by adsorbing copper ions, while nanoplastics had more variable effects depending on concentration and algal species. The study highlights that the size of plastic particles plays an important role in how they modify the bioavailability and toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic environments.
Polystyrene nanoparticles intensify the algae-mediated negative priming effect on leaf litter decomposition
Researchers showed that polystyrene nanoplastics intensify the natural inhibitory effect of benthic algae on leaf litter decomposition in streams, reducing decomposition rates by 21%, by depleting labile carbon transfer from algae to fungal decomposers and reducing fungal diversity, including key decomposer genera essential for aquatic nutrient cycling.
Nanoplastic pollution inhibits stream leaf decomposition through modulating microbial metabolic activity and fungal community structure
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics significantly inhibited leaf litter decomposition in freshwater streams, even at low concentrations. The study suggests this occurs through suppression of key microbial enzymes and shifts in fungal community structure, indicating that nanoplastic pollution could disrupt important nutrient cycling processes in freshwater ecosystems.
Impacts of low concentrations of nanoplastics on leaf litter decomposition and food quality for detritivores in streams
Researchers found that low concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics impaired leaf litter decomposition in forested streams by reducing aquatic hyphomycete fungal activity and decreasing food quality for detritivore invertebrates, threatening stream ecosystem function.
Single and combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and copper on Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis: Perspectives from growth inhibition, chlorophyll content and oxidative stress
Researchers investigated the single and combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and copper on the marine microalga Platymonas helgolandica. The study found that copper alone inhibited growth in a dose-dependent manner, while nanoplastics modified copper's bioavailability and altered the combined toxic response. The results suggest that the interaction between nanoplastics and heavy metals can produce complex toxicity patterns that differ from individual exposures.
Combined effects of nanoplastics and copper on the freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata
Researchers found that carboxylated polystyrene nanoplastics do not adsorb copper ions or alter copper toxicity to freshwater algae in short- or long-term tests, but that nanoplastics do attach to algal cell walls and cause morphological changes — highlighting the importance of prolonged exposures and multiple endpoints in nanoplastic toxicity assessments.
How do the Growth and Metabolic Activity of Aquatic fungi Geotrichum Candidum and Aspergillus Niger Respond to Nanoplastics?
This study exposed two aquatic fungal species, Geotrichum candidum and Aspergillus niger, to polystyrene and amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles at environmental concentrations. Hormesis effects were observed at low PS concentrations for G. candidum growth, while A. niger was more sensitive, and both species showed altered enzyme activities involved in organic matter decomposition.
Do microbial decomposers find micro- and nanoplastics to be harmful stressors in the aquatic environment? A systematic review of in vitro toxicological research
Researchers systematically reviewed in vitro studies on how bacteria and fungi respond to micro- and nanoplastics, finding that polystyrene particles and E. coli dominate the literature and that nanoplastic toxicity commonly disrupts antioxidative systems, gene expression, and cell membrane integrity in microbial decomposers.
Effects of polystyrene microplastics on copper toxicity to the protozoan Euglena gracilis: emphasis on different evaluation methods, photosynthesis, and metal accumulation
Polystyrene microplastics altered the toxicity of copper to the protozoan Euglena gracilis, with effects on photosynthesis and metal accumulation showing that microplastics can either enhance or reduce copper toxicity depending on exposure concentration and duration.
Polystyrene nanoplastics at predicted environmental concentrations enhance the toxicity of copper on Caenorhabditis elegans
Even at low concentrations found in the environment, polystyrene nanoplastics significantly increased copper toxicity in roundworms by boosting oxidative stress and triggering stress-response genes. The nanoplastics alone did not cause obvious harm, but when combined with copper, the damage was much worse than copper alone. This is concerning because in real-world soil and water, nanoplastics and heavy metals often occur together, potentially creating greater health risks than either pollutant individually.
Co-exposure effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and silver nanoparticles in constructed wetlands: Microbial and macrophyte responses
Researchers co-exposed constructed wetlands to polystyrene nanoplastics and silver nanoparticles and found synergistic disruption of the electron transport chain, impaired ATP production, and altered nitrogen transformation, with combined exposure more toxic than either contaminant alone.
Combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and copper on antioxidant capacity, immune response and intestinal microbiota of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Researchers examined the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and copper on Nile tilapia and found that co-exposure increased copper accumulation in the liver and caused tissue damage in multiple organs. High concentrations of both contaminants together triggered oxidative stress, inflammation, and shifts in intestinal microbial communities. The study suggests that microplastics can worsen the toxic effects of heavy metals on freshwater fish.
Microplastic effects in aquatic ecosystems with special reference to fungi–zooplankton interaction: identification of knowledge gaps and prioritization of research needs
This review identifies a largely unexplored gap in microplastic research: how plastic pollution affects aquatic fungi and their interactions with zooplankton. Because fungi play critical roles in breaking down dead organic matter and serving as food for zooplankton, disruptions caused by microplastics — which can physically resemble fungal spores in size — could have cascading effects on freshwater food webs and nutrient cycling. The authors call for targeted experiments to fill this knowledge gap and better predict ecosystem-level impacts of microplastic contamination.
Polystyrene nanoplastics differentially influence the outcome of infection by two microparasites of the host Daphnia magna
Researchers exposed the water flea Daphnia magna to two different parasites in the presence of polystyrene nanoplastics. The study found that nanoplastic exposure dramatically increased infection rates by a fungal parasite while having no significant effect on a gut microsporidium, suggesting that nanoplastics can differentially affect host-parasite relationships and potentially favor parasite coexistence in aquatic environments.
Exploring the Role of Polystyrene Microplastics in Cu Binding in Sea Surface Waters: An Experimental Perspective for Future Research
The role of polystyrene microplastics in binding copper (Cu) and altering its environmental mobility and toxicity was investigated, finding that microplastics can both adsorb and release copper depending on environmental conditions. This has implications for how microplastics modulate heavy metal hazards in contaminated environments.
Combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and copper on the growth and nutritional profile of Raphidocelis subcapitata
Researchers investigated the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and copper on the growth and nutritional profile of the freshwater green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata, examining whether co-exposure to these two contaminants produces interactive toxicity effects beyond individual exposures.
Combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and natural organic matter on the accumulation and toxicity of copper in zebrafish
Researchers investigated the combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and natural organic matter on copper accumulation and toxicity in zebrafish. They found that microplastics increased copper accumulation in the liver and gut, and that natural organic matter further amplified this effect in a size-dependent manner. The study suggests that microplastics in natural waters can interact with dissolved organic matter and metals to create more harmful exposure conditions for aquatic organisms.
Assessment of nanopolystyrene toxicity under fungal infection condition in Caenorhabditis elegans
Researchers found that exposure to nanopolystyrene at microgram-per-liter concentrations significantly worsens outcomes of fungal infection (Candida albicans) in C. elegans nematodes, suppressing the innate immune response and mitochondrial stress pathways, and increasing fungal colony formation — suggesting nanoplastics may compromise host defense against pathogens even at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Effects of copper in Daphnia are modulated by nanosized titanium dioxide and natural organic matter: what is the impact of aging duration?
This study examined how titanium dioxide nanoparticles interact with natural organic matter to modify the toxicity of copper to the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna. It is an aquatic toxicology study focused on nanoparticle-metal interactions rather than microplastics specifically.
Antidote or Trojan horse for submerged macrophytes: Role of microplastics in copper toxicity in aquatic environments
Researchers investigated whether polyethylene microplastics act as an antidote or a Trojan horse for copper toxicity to submerged aquatic plants. The study found that microplastics reduced dissolved copper concentrations through adsorption but could then release copper-loaded particles that were taken up by plants. The results suggest that microplastics may initially reduce copper toxicity in water but ultimately serve as carriers that deliver copper directly into plant tissues.
Polystyrene nanoplastics alleviate the toxicity of CuO nanoparticles to the marine algae Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis
Polystyrene nanoplastics were found to alleviate the toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles to the marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris, likely by adsorbing copper ions onto their surface and reducing bioavailability. The antagonistic interaction highlights how co-occurring nanomaterials can unexpectedly modify each other's environmental toxicity.
Negative impacts of nanoplastics on the purification function of submerged plants in constructed wetlands: Responses of oxidative stress and metabolic processes
Researchers exposed a submerged aquatic plant commonly used in constructed wetlands to polystyrene nanoplastics and measured the impacts on growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism. They found that nanoplastics were absorbed and transported throughout the plant, reducing growth by up to 73 percent and disrupting key metabolic pathways including the citric acid cycle. The study suggests that nanoplastic accumulation in wetland plants could compromise their ability to purify water.