Size-dependent effect of microplastics on toxicity and fate of diclofenac in two algae

Polystyrene nanoplastics alter the ecotoxicological effects of diclofenac on freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus

“…The PS particles showed size and concentration-dependent toxic effects in various algal cells like P. tricornutum, Euglena sp., Chlorella vulgaris, S. obliquus, etc. 15,24,38 The combined toxicity results revealed a concentration-wise decrease in cell viability. Interestingly, the hormesis effect was observed when comparing the cell viability of pristine FNPs and their respective combinations with DCF.…”

“…decreased signicantly when combined with larger-sized MPs. 15 These results indicate that the adsorption of drugs and physicochemical characteristics (i.e., size, hydrophobicity, and surface charges) of the particles were the major factors that decided the combined toxicity. 18 Despite these recent studies, it is unclear how the interactions between pharmaceuticals and NPs would impact the combined toxicity of freshwater algae.…”

“…highlighted a signicant dose-dependent growth inhibition effect. 15 In another study, the growth inhibition of Parachlorella kessleri by DCF (0.1 and 0.5 mg L −1 ) was attributed to enhanced oxidative stress. 16 These previous published studies are mostly restricted to risk evaluations of NPs and pharmaceuticals separately in microalgae.…”

“…highlighted a significant dose-dependent growth inhibition effect. 15 In another study, the growth inhibition of Parachlorella kessleri by DCF (0.1 and 0.5 mg L −1 ) was attributed to enhanced oxidative stress. 16…”

“…14 Due to the availability and persistence in the environment, these NPs and DCF can be co-exposed in the freshwater environment through indiscriminate disposal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and may have a detrimental impact on the organisms. 15 A recent study on the toxicity of DCF on Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Euglena sp. highlighted a significant dose-dependent growth inhibition effect.…”