Ecological implications beyond the ecotoxicity of plastic debris on marine phytoplankton assemblage structure and functioning. (1st December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Casabianca, Silvia; Bellingeri, Arianna; Capellacci, Samuela; Sbrana, Alice; Russo, Tommaso; Corsi, Ilaria; Penna, Antonella
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 290(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01
• Subjects: Cell growth -- Hetero-aggregates -- Microplastics-nanoplastics -- Phytoplankton assemblage -- Carbon cycle -- Marine food web; CLSM confocal laser scanning microscopy -- DA domoic acid -- DOM dissolved organic matter -- EPR electron paramagnetic resonance -- EPS exopolysaccharides -- MPs microplastics -- NMs nanomaterials -- NOM natural organic matter -- NP nano-sized particles -- PAHs polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon -- PE polyethylene -- PECs predicted environmental concentrations -- PMMA Poly(methyl methacrylate) -- POM particulate organic matter -- PP polypropylene -- PS polystyrene -- PLTX palytoxin -- PST paralytic shellfish toxin -- PVC polyvinylchloride -- TEP transparent exopolymer particles -- WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Plastic pollution is a global issue posing a threat to marine biota with ecological implications on ecosystem functioning. Micro and nanoplastic impact on phytoplankton autotrophic species (e.g., cell growth inhibition, decrease in chlorophyll a and photosynthetic efficiency and hetero-aggregates formation) have been largely documented. However, the heterogeneity of data makes rather difficult a comparison based on size (i.e. micro vs nano). In addition, knowledge gaps on the ecological impact on phytoplankton assemblage structure and functioning are evident. A new virtual meta-analysis on cause-effect relationships of micro and nanoplastics on phytoplankton species revealed the significant effect posed by polymer type on reducing cell density for tested PVC, PS and PE plastics. Linked with autotrophic phytoplankton role in atmospheric CO2 fixation, a potential impact of plastics on marine carbon pump is discussed. The understanding of the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the phytoplankton functioning is fundamental to raise awareness on the overall impact on the first level of marine food web. Interactions between micro and nanoplastics and phytoplankton assemblages have been quite documented by in vitro examinations; but, further studies considering natural plankton assemblages and/or large mesocosm experiments should be performed to evaluate and try predicting ecological impacts on primary producers. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Micro and nanoplastic impact on microalgal reproduction. Micro and nanoplastics are substrates for phytoplankton adhesion and colonization. Plastic debris forms hetero-aggregates with phytoplankton assemblages. Carbon cycle can be affected through POC sequestration by micro and nanoplastic. Micro and nanoplastics can alter the first levels of marine food web.