The thesis Microplastic exposure represses the growth of endosymbiotic dinoflagellate Cladocopium goreaui in culture through affecting its apoptosis and metabolism, written by the Coral Reef Protection Laboratory of College of Oceans at Hainan University, has been published in Chemosphere.

The research detected the physiological changes of C. goreaui under the influence of microplastics. The results showed that microplastics can inhibit C. goreaui's detoxification activity, nutrient absorption and photosynthesis, increase its oxidative pressure, and induce its cell apoptosis by up-regulating ion transport and apoptotic enzyme, and thus limit its growth. This provides the theoretical reference for coral reef protection and coral reef ecosystem restoration.

Chemosphere is a prestigious bi-weekly peer-reviewed scientific journal that offers broad and impactful dissemination of investigations related to all aspects of environmental science and engineering.

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