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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics disrupt microalgal carbon fixation: Efficiency and underlying mechanisms
ClearImpacts 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.
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.
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.
Effect and mechanism of microplastics exposure against microalgae: Photosynthesis and oxidative stress
Meta-analysis of 55 studies (835 endpoints) found that microplastics reduce chlorophyll-a content and hinder electron transfer in microalgae photosynthetic systems, causing oxidative stress damage. Effects were concentration- and size-dependent, with freshwater microalgae more susceptible than marine species.
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.
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.
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.
Molecular mechanism for combined toxicity of micro(nano)plastics and carbon nanofibers to freshwater microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Researchers tested how microplastics, nanoplastics, and carbon nanofibers affect freshwater algae individually and in combination, finding that the combined effects were significantly worse than either pollutant alone. Nanoplastics combined with carbon nanofibers caused the most severe cellular stress, damaging cell membranes, increasing oxidative stress, and disrupting energy metabolism. Since algae form the base of aquatic food chains, this damage could cascade through ecosystems and affect the safety of water and seafood for humans.
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.
Microplastics and Heavy Metals Removal from Fresh Water and Wastewater Systems Using a Membrane
Researchers tested how polystyrene microplastics affect the growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress responses of freshwater microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Smaller particles caused greater inhibition of growth and chlorophyll synthesis than larger ones.
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.
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.
Micro/nano-plastics and microalgae in aquatic environment: Influence factor, interaction, and molecular mechanisms.
This review examined the interactions between micro/nanoplastics and microalgae in aquatic environments, summarizing how plastic particle size, surface chemistry, and co-pollutants influence algal toxicity through oxidative stress, photosynthesis inhibition, and gene expression changes.
Polystyrene Microplastics Induce Photosynthetic Impairment in Navicula sp. at Physiological and Transcriptomic Levels
Researchers exposed freshwater diatom algae to polystyrene microplastics and found significant damage to their photosynthetic capacity within 24 to 48 hours. The microplastics reduced chlorophyll content, damaged cell membranes, and triggered oxidative stress responses, with gene analysis revealing disruption of key pathways related to photosynthesis and carbon fixation. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution in freshwater environments could impair the ability of algae to produce oxygen and support 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.
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.
Damages of aged-PVC microplastics exceed the enhanced resistance of chlorella pyrenoidosa induced by phosphorus limitation
Researchers studied how the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa responds to aged PVC microplastics under both normal and phosphorus-limited conditions. The study found that while phosphorus limitation initially enhanced the algae's stress resistance, the damage caused by aged PVC microplastics ultimately exceeded this protective effect, indicating that microplastic contamination poses a serious threat to phytoplankton even under nutrient-stressed conditions.
Influence of microplastics on microalgal performance during wastewater polishing
Researchers studied how five common types of microplastics affect the green alga Chlorella vulgaris during wastewater treatment. They found that while microplastics reduced algal metabolism and growth, the organism maintained its ability to effectively remove nutrients from wastewater. The study demonstrates that Chlorella vulgaris is a robust candidate for bioremediation of microplastic-contaminated wastewater, even under pollutant stress.
Extensive investigation and beyond the removal of micro-polyvinyl chloride by microalgae to promote environmental health
Researchers found that Chlorella sp. microalgae can effectively remove micro-polyvinyl chloride particles from water, though PVC exposure at high concentrations triggered oxidative stress responses, suggesting algae-based remediation as a promising strategy for microplastic pollution.
Microplastics leachate may play a more important role than microplastics in inhibiting microalga Chlorella vulgaris growth at cellular and molecular levels
Researchers found that chemical compounds leaching from aged microplastics may be more harmful to algae than the microplastic particles themselves. UV-weathered polyethylene and PVC released substances that inhibited algae growth, caused oxidative stress, and altered gene expression more severely than direct particle exposure. The study suggests that the chemicals released by degrading microplastics deserve more attention as a source of aquatic toxicity.
Nanoplastics 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.
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.
Microplastics Weaken the Adaptability of Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. to Ocean Warming
Researchers found that microplastic exposure weakened the ability of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus to adapt to warming ocean temperatures. When microplastics were combined with higher water temperatures, carbon fixation dropped by up to 15% compared to warming alone, and photosynthesis pigments declined further. The study suggests that microplastic pollution could compound the damaging effects of climate change on ocean phytoplankton, which play a critical role in global carbon cycling.
Effects of microplastics on the growth, photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient composition in freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris Beij
Researchers tested how polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics affect the freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris and found that smaller particles and higher concentrations caused more harm. The microplastics reduced algal growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and disrupted nutrient composition over the 11-day experiment. Since algae form the base of aquatic food chains, this damage could ripple upward through ecosystems that ultimately connect to human food sources.