Abstract
The accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) has attracted immense global attention due to their adverse effects on the environment. Photosynthesis, an interface between non-living matter and living organisms, is very important for both energy flow and material circulation on our planet. Increasing evidence indicates that MNPs can pose direct or indirect stress effects on photoautotrophs, however, our knowledge about them is still limited. The purposes of this mini-review are (1) to review the latest literature of the impacts of MNPs on photosynthesis activities and summarize diverse impacts of MNPs on photosynthesis activities of different photoautotrophs (green plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria); (2) to discuss the potential action mechanisms in both aquatic and terrestrial environments; and (3) various factors contributing toward these impacts. Additionally, this review provides key future research directions for both researchers and policymakers to better understand and alleviate the environmental impacts of MNPs on our planet.
Highlights
Microplastics (MPs) are plastics with a particle size of 5 mm or less (Van Cauwenberghe et al, 2015), and nanoplastics (NPs) are usually referred to as plastic fragments with a particle size between 1– 100 nm (Ferreira et al, 2019)
Diverse impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been widely reported on the photosynthesis in aquatic and terrestrial photosynthetic organisms (Bhattacharya et al, 2010; Lyakurwa, 2017; Wu et al, 2019; Dong et al, 2020; Wang F. et al, 2020; Meng et al, 2021)
Another study found that adding a low concentration of MPs (0.04 g/L PS, 0.1 g/L polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), respectively) with As(III) can reduce the negative effects of As(III) on Rice (Oryza sativa), but the impact of As(III) became higher than the application of As(III) alone under the adding of 0.2 g/L PS or PTFE, respectively (Dong et al, 2020). These studies demonstrated that the role played by MNPs in the interaction of photosynthetic organisms with other substances is not static, and may often show different effects with changes in concentration or particle size
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) are plastics with a particle size of 5 mm or less (Van Cauwenberghe et al, 2015), and nanoplastics (NPs) are usually referred to as plastic fragments with a particle size between 1– 100 nm (Ferreira et al, 2019). Diverse impacts of MNPs have been widely reported on the photosynthesis in aquatic and terrestrial photosynthetic organisms (Bhattacharya et al, 2010; Lyakurwa, 2017; Wu et al, 2019; Dong et al, 2020; Wang F. et al, 2020; Meng et al, 2021). This mini-review serves to provide a comprehensive summary and assessment on the impacts of MNPs on photosynthetic activity, via elaborating on the following three aspects: (1) updating research progress of effect of MPS on photosynthetic activity; (2) analyzing interactions between MNPs and photoautotrophs in the aquatic and terrestrial environment; and (3) discussing the possible action mechanisms and various internal and external factors affecting the photosynthetic activity via MNPs. This is the first review on the impacts of MNPs on photosynthesis activities of phototrophs.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call