Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems: impacts on diatom communities

Abstract

In recent years, heightened concern has emerged regarding the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. This concern has prompted extensive scientific inquiry into microplastics’ ecological and physiological implications, including threats to biodiversity. The robust adsorption capacity of microplastic surfaces facilitates their widespread distribution throughout aquatic ecosystems, acting also as carriers of organic pollutants. However, to comprehensively understand the broader implications of this pollution, a thorough examination of the origins, composition, and widespread distribution of microplastics within aquatic biotopes is imperative. Diatoms, unicellular photosynthetic organisms, play a pivotal role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers, forming the base of the aquatic food web. Investigating the relationship between microplastics and diatoms, leveraging methodological advancements, holds promise in unraveling the intricate action mechanisms underlying their interactions. Such inquiry sheds light on the physiological responses elicited and provides crucial insights into the ecological dynamics within aquatic environments. This study explores the understanding of microplastic-diatom interactions, focusing on how microplastic types, sizes, and concentrations influence diatoms. Ultimately, the current study strongly advocates for transdisciplinary collaborations, such as partnerships between ecologists, materials scientists, and policymakers, as the complexity of microplastic pollution demands collective efforts to address this critical and alarming environmental issue.