Surface functionalization of polystyrene nanoparticles modulates nanoparticle-induced phytotoxicity in Chlorella vulgaris.

Surface functionalization of polystyrene nanoparticles determines phytotoxic effects in Chlorella vulgaris, with amino- and carboxyl groups causing distinct oxidative responses.

• Why it matters: Understanding how nanoparticle surface chemistry influences interactions with primary producers is crucial for assessing ecological risks of nanoplastics in aquatic environments.
• What they did: Researchers exposed Chlorella vulgaris to non-functionalized, amino-, and carboxyl-functionalized polystyrene NPs at 40 mg/L for 72 hours, analyzing retention, ultrastructural changes, and oxidative stress markers.
• The result: Findings show surface chemistry modulates nanoparticle retention and oxidative damage, with implications for nanoparticle ecotoxicology and the importance of considering surface properties in environmental risk assessments.