Unveiling the ecological impact of environmental threats through model organisms
Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is on increasing rise, posing threats to ecosystems and human health. While research on these pollutants often focuses on their direct toxicological effects on individual organisms, their broader ecological ramifications, particularly on species interactions, remain largely unexplored. In my talk, I will delve into how Daphnia and cyanobacteria serve as ideal model organisms for unraveling the multifaceted impacts of micro- and nanoplastics, as well as other environmental stressors, on species interactions, including pivotal relationships such as host-parasite dynamics. By harnessing the ecological significance of both systems, we can illuminate the hidden consequences of plastic pollution on freshwater plankton communities. I will present our latest findings and discuss the crucial research gaps that need to be addressed to fully comprehend the ecological implications of emerging pollutants.
