Micro/nano-plastics and microalgae in aquatic environment: Influence factor, interaction, and molecular mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecotoxicology
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Micro/nano-plastics are pervasive aquatic pollutants impacting primary producers.
• Microalgae are crucial for aquatic ecosystem balance, but their response to micro/nano-plastics is complex.
• Existing studies lack comprehensive analysis of multi-omics data and shared biological patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of micro/nano-plastics on microalgae under various exposure conditions.
• To explore molecular mechanisms underlying micro/nano-plastic interactions with microalgae.
• To identify shared biological patterns in microalgal responses.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing laboratory studies on micro/nano-plastic effects on microalgae.
• Comparative analysis of acute, chronic, pulsed, and combined exposure effects.
• Exploration of multi-omics data to understand molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Micro/nano-plastic toxicity depends on exposure mode, duration, size, concentration, and type.
• Observed phenomena of both toxicity and detoxification between micro/nano-plastics and microalgae.
• Inhibitory effects on photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and ribosome pathways disrupt cellular functions.

Conclusions:

• Micro/nano-plastics impair microalgae by affecting key cellular organelles and metabolic pathways.
• Algae exhibit resistance through regulating amino acid and purine metabolism, enhancing chlorophyll synthesis and reducing oxidative stress.
• Understanding these interactions is vital for assessing aquatic ecosystem health.