Joint effects of microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles on the life history parameters of rotifers and the ability of rotifers to eliminate harmful phaeocystis

The rising concentration of microplastics and nanoparticles coexisting simultaneously in marine may bring joint harm to zooplankton. Rotifer is an important functional group of marine zooplankton, which plays an important role in the energy flow of marine ecosystem. To evaluate the comprehensive effects of nano-sized microplastics and metal oxide nanoparticles on life history parameters of rotifers and population dynamics of rotifers during eliminating harmful algae Phaeocystis, we exposed rotifers Brachionus plicatilis to the multiple combinations of different concentrations of nanoplastics and ZnO nanoparticles. Results showed that rotifer maturation time was prolonged and the total offspring was decreased significantly with rising ZnO nanoparticles and microplastics concentrations, and microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles had significant interaction, which brought more serious joint deleterious effects on survival, development, and reproduction. At the population level, ZnO nanoparticles exacerbated the delayed effect of microplastics on the elimination of Phaeocystis by rotifers, although eventually rotifers also completely eliminated Phaeocystis in the closed system. This study provided new insights into revealing the comprehensive impact of microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles on zooplankton not only from the perspective of life history parameters of rotifers but also from the perspective of population dynamics of rotifers controlling harmful algae, which is of great significance to understand the impact of mixed pollutants on marine ecosystem.

Automated summary

The rising concentration of microplastics and nanoparticles in marine environments can have joint harmful effects on zooplankton. This study focused on the effects of nano-sized microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles on the life history parameters and population dynamics of rotifers. The results showed that increasing concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles and microplastics led to prolonged maturation time and decreased offspring in rotifers, with significant interaction between the two pollutants. At the population level, ZnO nanoparticles exacerbated the delayed effect of microplastics on the elimination of harmful algae by rotifers. This study provides important insights into the comprehensive impact of mixed pollutants on marine ecosystems.