Research authored by Bruno Nunes (pictured), a CESAM/DBIO researcher, João Pinto da Costa, a CESAM/DQ researcher, David Daniel and Madalena Vieira, PhD students at CESAM/DBIO, and Ana Violeta Girão from CICECO, found that two common types of microplastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP), can reduce reproduction in Daphnia magna, a small crustacean that plays an important role in aquatic food webs.

The study also observed temporary changes in biological mechanisms linked to stress and the elimination of potentially toxic substances. While some of these effects appeared to diminish with prolonged exposure, the negative impact on reproduction remained, highlighting potential implications for aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

Read more: here.

Photo Credit: CESAM