Philippe Anthony M. Alfafara, Pauleanne B. Nacario, Nelle Adrian M. Ceniza, Eugene T. Bacolod, Maria Kristina O. Paler, Maria Ligaya S. Suico, Alvin P. Monotilla, Ric Jacob Y. Hernandez, Noel Peter B. Tan, Lorenz Inri C. Banabatac
Pollution by microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments remains a global concern. Despite recent developments, there is a knowledge gap in the implications of MP pollution on autotrophic aquatic organisms such as macroalgae. The response of green macroalgae species, Ulva intestinalis to high-density polyethylene microplastics (HDPE-MPs) was investigated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Attenuated Total Reflectance – Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy showed adherence of HDPE-MPs onto surfaces of U. intestinalis. The following parameters were assessed: growth rate, chlorophyll content, and protein carbonyl content. The 14-day exposure assay entailed one control group (0 mg/L) and the HDPE-MP treated group (100 mg/L). The treatment of HDPE-MPs in U. intestinalis has a significant effect on the aforementioned parameters (p < 0.05). The treated group showed a lower growth rate (1.24 vs. 3.15 %) and chlorophyll content (0.705 vs. 0.911 mg/g), and higher protein carbonyl content (1.654 vs. 0.571 nmol DNPH/mg protein). These findings suggest that HDPE-MP exposure can negatively affect physiological processes in U. intestinalis. Subsequently, this study features the potentially adverse effects of MPs on autotrophic aquatic organisms. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Research on the Environment, Analytical Chemistry, and Toxicology Group (Re-EnACT Group), University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Community Extension Services (CES), University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Center for Advanced New Materials, Engineering, and Emerging Technologies (CANMEET), University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, 5000, Philippines
