Growth inhibition, toxin production and oxidative stress caused by three microplastics in Microcystis aeruginosa

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety Vol. 208; p. 111575
• Main Authors: Zheng, Xiaowei, Zhang, Weizhen, Yuan, Yuan, Li, Yanyao, Liu, Xianglin, Wang, Xiangrong, Fan, Zhengqiu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 15.01.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Antioxidant enzyme activity; Antioxidants - metabolism; Catalase - metabolism; Fresh Water; Growth; Microalgae - drug effects; Microcystins; Microcystis - drug effects; Microcystis - physiology; Microplastic; Microplastics - toxicity; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Plastics - toxicity; Polyethylene; Polystyrenes - toxicity; Polyvinyl Chloride - toxicity; Superoxide Dismutase - metabolism; Toxin production; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity; Toxin production; Microplastic; Growth; Antioxidant enzyme activity
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111575
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414

Microplastics (MPs) have aroused widespread concern due to their extensive distribution in aquatic environments and adverse effects on aquatic organisms. However, the underlying toxicity of different kinds of MPs on freshwater microalgae has not been examined in detail. In this study, we investigated the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) MPs on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa, as well as on its toxin production and oxidative stress. We found that all three kinds of MPs had an obvious inhibition effect on the growth of M. aeruginosa. Considering the results of antioxidant-related indicators, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and cell membrane integrity were greatly affected with exposure to PVC, PS and PE MPs. Moreover, the content of intracellular (intra-) and extracellular (extra-) microcystins (MCs) had a noticeable increase due to the presence of PVC, PS, and PE MPs. Finally, according to the comprehensive stress resistance indicators, the resistance of M. aeruginosa to three MPs followed the order: PE (3.701)> PS (3.607)> PVC (2.901). Our results provide insights into the effects of different kinds of MPs on freshwater algae and provide valuable data for risk assessment of different types of MPs. [Display omitted] •PVC, PS, and PE MPs all had an obvious inhibition effect on M. aeruginosa growth.•All three MPs can cause oxidation stress and cell membrane destruction.•All three MPs can promote the production and release of MCs.•The resistance of M. aeruginosa to three MPs was followed PE> PS> PVC.