Different approaches were used to assess the effect of two forms of carbon-based nanoparticles (CNP) nanotubes and graphene, in order to determine the mechanism of the response generated by the benthic freshwater diatom Nitzschia palea. The effect at the cellular community scale demonstrated a temporary impact on biofilm growth and an accumulation of NPC in the extracellular matrix. The use of transcriptomic study evidenced the role of the physic interaction, causing alteration of the frustule, in the extracellular response leading to an overexcretion of exopolymeric substances (EPS). This approach also revealed the impact of NPC on the photosynthetic activity of diatoms and a modification of the energetic metabolism suggesting an energetic...