Boreal Resin–microbe Synergy for Microplastic Remediation

ABSTRACT The pervasive infiltration of microplastics (MPs) into Nordic aquatic ecosystems necessitates innovative remediation strategies beyond conventional mechanical filtration. This study presents a conceptual proposal for a biotechnological approach utilizing Finnish boreal resins (Pinus sylvestris) in synergy with a specialized microbial consortium (Ideonella sakaiensis and Pseudomonas putida). In silico molecular docking simulations (AutoDock Vina) were conducted to evaluate the thermodynamic plausibility of the sequestration phase. A computationally predicted peak binding affinity of –4.178 kcal/mol (mean –3.73 ± 0.23 kcal/mol across 20 simulated ligand–receptor pairs, Table 4) was obtained between abietic acid and a PET monomer, indicating a potentially spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable interaction under neutral pH and ambient temperature conditions. This interaction is hypothesized to be driven by hydrophobic π–π stacking and van der Waals forces, potentially enabling stable entrapment under dynamic flow conditions. Subsequent enzymatic mineralization within an isothermal bio-reactor (28.5 °C) is conceptually modeled to achieve accelerated degradation, hypothetically facilitated by the pre-concentration of MPs on a resin-coated bio-matrix. The framework further integrates a circular economy model, where saturated bio-filters could be converted into biomethane (CH₄), offering a theoretical energy recovery potential of 0.35–0.45 m³/kg under modeled conditions. Based on the binding affinity predictions and Michaelis-Menten kinetics adapted for heterogeneous surfaces, the projected lab-scale removal efficiency, pending experimental validation, is estimated to potentially reach 88–90% under simulated conditions (model uncertainty ±5%). All computational predictions require empirical verification through controlled laboratory studies. This conceptual proposal outlines a potentially scalable, carbon‑neutral roadmap for MP remediation, aligning with the EU “Zero Pollution” mandate.