Effects of microplastics on the growth, photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient composition in freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris Beij

•Small particle size PE-MP and PS-MP inhibited Chlorella vulgaris colony formation.•PS-MP inhibited colony formation compared with PE-MPs exposure.•PS-MP decreased the photosynthetic pigment contents in Chlorella vulgaris.•High concentration of PE-MP decreased the photosynthetic efficiency and TSP contents.•Chlorella vulgaris could be colonized on microplastics.