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Microplastics interfere with mixotrophic Ochromonas eliminating toxic Microcystis
Qingdan Kong1, Yannan Li1, Xiaoqing Xu1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China.
Chemosphere
|November 26, 2020
Summary
Microplastics harm aquatic ecosystems by impairing Ochromonas gloeopara
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Aquatic Ecology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics are pervasive in freshwater environments.
- Microplastics can disrupt predator-prey dynamics.
- Ochromonas gloeopara is a flagellate capable of controlling harmful Microcystis aeruginosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of microplastics on Ochromonas gloeopara's ability to eliminate Microcystis aeruginosa.
- To assess how different microplastic sizes and concentrations affect this interaction.
Main Methods:
- Experimental setup with O. gloeopara feeding on M. aeruginosa.
- Exposure to varying concentrations (0-2.0 mg L⁻¹) of two microplastic sizes (0.07 μm and 3 μm).
- Monitoring of M. aeruginosa abundance, O. gloeopara population dynamics, and clearance rates.
Main Results:
- Microplastics significantly reduced M. aeruginosa abundance regardless of size or concentration.
- O. gloeopara ingested microplastics, with 3 μm particles negatively impacting its growth and clearance rates.
- Microplastic presence, especially 3 μm particles, prolonged the time for M. aeruginosa elimination.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics interfere with the biological control of harmful Microcystis by O. gloeopara.
- This interference can exacerbate the negative effects of Microcystis blooms in aquatic ecosystems.
- Larger microplastics (3 μm) pose a greater threat to this predator-prey interaction.
