Estimated microplastic stress and potential affiliated toxic elements on phytoplankton in a floodplain-lake system

Hazards associated with microplastics (MPs) and the pollutants they absorb in freshwater lake ecosystems have become a hot research topic in academia. In this study, in order to investigate potential affiliated MP hazards, lake MP samples were collected from a typical subtropical freshwater lake system in China (Poyang Lake) during the dry season (here, you should show the specific months) to explore their potential toxic element (PTE) response (i.e., exposure to Cu, Pb, and Zn) respective to the ecological environment and resident phytoplankton. Results show that average MP abundance in surface water can reach up to 1800 items m^-3, which higher in the Nanjishan Wetland National Nature Reserve (NWNNR) (1175 items m^-3). Polyester (i.e., purified terephthalic acid [PTA]) and polyethylene (PE) were the main polymer types found in surface water, fiber was the main MP shape, and most of the MP particle sizes are greater than 100 μm. Moreover, phytoplankton biomass was significantly higher in the NWNNR compared to Poyang Lake's retention basin and water channel. It indicated that MP pollutant status of Poyang Lake is mild; however, the ecological risks that MPs pose should not be ignored. The significant positive correlation between MPs and PTEs indicated that PTE absorption and desorption by MPs may cause potential ecological stress. Although we anticipate no direct link between ecotoxicity and phytoplankton, MPs may have indirect effects on phytoplankton through their regulatory effects on PTE levels in water.