Research progress on the interactions between microplastics and algae in aquatic environments and their mechanisms

As emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) are abundantly present in aquatic environments and pose potential threats to aquatic environments and aquatic ecosystems through mechanisms such as ecotoxicity, food web accumulation, and pollutant adsorption. Against the backdrop of frequent algal blooms driven by water eutrophication and global climate change, the likelihood of interactions between algae and MPs has significantly increased. Exposure to MPs can inhibit algal growth and photosynthesis, cause structural damage to algal cells, and alter algal community structure, thereby affecting their physiological processes and ecological functions. Meanwhile, algae can influence the transport and degradation behavior of MPs through adsorption, adhesion, and biofilm formation. This review summarizes recent research on the interaction processes and mechanisms between MPs and algae in aquatic environments, with a focus on the effects of MPs on algal growth, photosynthesis, physiological damage, extracellular polymeric substance production, and community succession, as well as the role and mechanisms of algae in influencing the transport and transformation fate of MPs in aquatic environments. Based on this, future research directions in this field are proposed to provide a scientific basis for the synergistic management and risk control of MPs and algae in aquatic environments.