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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to The effect of microplastics pollution in microalgal biomass production: A biochemical study
ClearNanoplastics reshape lipid metabolism in marine microalgae with potential ecological consequence
Researchers exposed a marine microalga important to ocean ecosystems to nanoplastics and found significant disruptions to its lipid metabolism, reducing both biomass and lipid production. The nanoplastics altered the types of fats the algae produced, potentially affecting the nutritional value of these organisms for the marine food web. The findings suggest that nanoplastic pollution could have cascading ecological consequences by disrupting carbon cycling at the base of the food chain.
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.
Comparative assessment of MP effects on pigment composition and lipid profiles in three marine microalgae
Researchers exposed three marine microalgae species to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics and found that the particles altered pigment composition and lipid profiles in species-specific ways. Microplastic exposure generally reduced photosynthetic pigments and shifted fatty acid profiles, with effects varying depending on the polymer type and concentration ratio. The study suggests that microplastic pollution could disrupt the biochemistry of ecologically and commercially important microalgae at the base of marine food webs.
Microplastics reduce microalgal biomass by decreasing single-cell weight: The barrier towards implementation at scale
Researchers found that microplastics significantly reduce biomass production in three industrially relevant microalgae species by decreasing single-cell weight by up to 47%, posing a serious barrier to scaling microalgal industries in contaminated waters.
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.
Microplastics disrupt microalgal carbon fixation: Efficiency and underlying mechanisms
Researchers exposed the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa to polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics and found up to 39% inhibition of carbon fixation, driven by reduced chlorophyll content, increased oxidative stress, and downregulation of genes in the Calvin cycle and chlorophyll metabolism, with implications for aquatic carbon cycling.
Impact of Nanoplastics on the Functional Profile of Microalgae Species Used as Food Supplements: Insights from Comparative In Vitro and Ex Vivo Digestion Studies
Researchers assessed how polystyrene and polyethylene nanoplastics affect microalgae species used as food supplements, both before and after simulated digestion. The study found that nanoplastics persisted through the digestion process, altered particle behavior in the microalgae medium, and significantly increased total phenolic content, raising concerns about food safety when plastic contamination occurs.
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.
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.
Exploring biochemical responses and cellular adaptations of Chlorella sorokiniana to polyethylene microplastic exposure
Researchers exposed the freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana to varying concentrations of polyethylene microplastics and measured the effects on growth, pigments, and biochemical composition. They found that high concentrations inhibited growth by 50% and caused reductions in pigments, lipids, and carbohydrates, while protein content increased as a stress response. The study provides insights into how microplastic pollution may disrupt the base of freshwater food webs by affecting primary producers.
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.
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.
Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of microalga Scenedesmus quadricauda
Polystyrene nanoplastics were found to disrupt the physiology and biochemistry of freshwater microalgae, affecting photosynthesis, growth rates, and oxidative stress markers at environmentally relevant concentrations. The results highlight nanoplastics as a threat to phytoplankton, the base of freshwater food webs.
Nanoplastics exposure modulate lipid and pigment compositions in diatoms
Researchers exposed marine diatoms (Chaetoceros neogracile) to amine-functionalized polystyrene nanoplastics and found disruption to photosynthetic pigments and membrane lipid composition, with exponential-phase cells showing impaired long-chain fatty acid synthesis at high concentrations — identifying lipid and pigment profiles as sensitive biomarkers for nanoplastic stress in 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.
Polystyrene microplastics decrease accumulation of essential fatty acids in common freshwater algae
Scientists exposed the freshwater alga Chlorella sorokiniana to polystyrene microplastics and found significant reductions in essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid content, suggesting microplastic contamination could reduce the nutritional quality of algae at the base of aquatic food webs.
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.
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.
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.
Physiological responses and altered halocarbon production in Phaeodactylum tricornutum after exposure to polystyrene microplastics
Exposure to microplastics altered physiological responses and halocarbon production in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, with implications for oceanic emissions of ozone-depleting brominated substances.
The influence of microplastics on the toxic effects and biodegradation of bisphenol A in the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics inhibited the biodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA) by the microalga Chlorella vulgaris, with combined exposure showing greater toxicity than either contaminant alone due to BPA adsorption onto microplastic surfaces.
Combined effects of microplastics and warming enhance algal carbon and nitrogen storage
Researchers examined the combined effects of warming temperatures and polystyrene microplastics on the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. While warming alone decreased cell viability, the combination of microplastics and warming unexpectedly increased growth rate and nitrogen uptake by promoting fatty acid metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution combined with marine heatwaves may alter algal carbon and nitrogen cycling in ways that could have broader ecological implications.
Impacts of microplastic and seawater acidification on unicellular red algae: Growth response, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and extracellular polymer substances
Researchers examined the individual and combined effects of polystyrene microplastics and seawater acidification on unicellular red algae, which play an important role in marine primary production. They measured impacts on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and extracellular polymer production. The study found that the combined stressors had more pronounced effects than either one alone, suggesting that ocean acidification may worsen the ecological impact of microplastic pollution on marine algae.
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.