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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:18
A Small-Scale Setup for Algal Toxicity Testing of Nanomaterials and Other Difficult Substances
Published on: October 10, 2020
Toxicity of Engineered Nanomaterials to Microalgae: Mechanisms, Modulating Factors, Combined Effects, and
Pengcheng Sheng1, Lei Xv1, Feng Lin1
1Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries (Zhejiang Freshwater Fishery Environmental Monitoring Station), Huzhou 313001, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Engineered nanomaterials pose risks to microalgae, essential aquatic primary producers. This review details their toxic effects and mechanisms, aiding ecological risk assessment for aquatic environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are utilized in various applications due to unique properties.
- Their release into aquatic ecosystems raises concerns about impacts on primary producers like microalgae.
- Microalgae are crucial for aquatic food webs and sensitive to environmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the toxic effects and mechanisms of ENMs on microalgae.
- To discuss factors influencing ENM bioavailability and toxicity.
- To highlight advancements in assessing nanomaterial toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on engineered nanomaterials and microalgae.
- Analysis of toxic pathways including physical interactions, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruption.
- Examination of environmental factors and co-exposure effects on toxicity.
Main Results:
- ENMs cause toxicity through surface attachment, shading, membrane damage, ion release, oxidative stress, and metabolic disturbances.
- Particle properties (size, coating) and environmental factors (pH, organic matter) modulate toxicity.
- Combined effects of coexisting pollutants can be synergistic or antagonistic.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ENM toxicity mechanisms is vital for microalgae.
- Environmental factors significantly influence ENM risks to aquatic ecosystems.
- Advanced methodologies are improving the assessment of nanomaterial ecotoxicity.
Keywords:
combined toxicityengineered nanomaterialsenvironmental factorsmicroalgaeoxidative stresstoxicityMore Related Videos
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