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Integrated Phytoremediation of Microplastics and Sustainable Biofuel Production Using Spirulina (Arthrospira) Platensis: A Case Study of the Ergene River in Türkiye
Original title: Integrated Phytoremediation of Microplastics and Sustainable Biofuel Production Using Spirulina (Arthrospira) Platensis : A Case Study of the Ergene River in Türkiye
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Scientists found that a type of algae (Spirulina) can clean up to 90% of microplastic pollution from a heavily polluted river in Turkey, while also growing into a rich source of oil that can be turned into biodiesel fuel. This matters because microplastics in our water supplies are a growing health concern, and this approach offers a way to filter them out cheaply while creating a useful, renewable fuel byproduct—turning a pollution problem into a clean-energy solution.
ABSTRACT This study aims to develop and evaluate a microalgae‐based phytoremediation strategy for microplastic (MP) removal from surface waters, whereas enabling biofuel production within a circular‐economy framework, using the Ergene River Basin (Türkiye) as a case study. The novelty of this study lies in coupling MP retention, microalgal stress‐induced lipid accumulation, and biodiesel‐quality improvement within a single treatment–valorization pathway using a real contaminated river‐water matrix. It is hypothesized that microalgae can simultaneously remove MPs and produce value‐added biomass. The Ergene River Basin was selected because it is one of Türkiye's most industrially impacted river systems, receiving pollution pressure from textile, chemical, urban, and agricultural activities. Seasonal and spatial MP pollution was analyzed in surface‐water samples collected from 10 high‐risk locations between September 2023 and August 2024. These high‐risk locations were identified based on their proximity to organized industrial zones, upstream–downstream discharge gradients, agricultural and urban inputs, and known pollution pressure along the river continuum. MP pollution was evaluated using particle quantification, morphological classification, and polymer identification via microscopy and FTIR confirmation. Interaction experiments were performed using Spirulina platensis . The experimental design included comparisons between MP‐containing river water and control media, as well as photoperiod optimization. Microalgal growth, lipid accumulation, and MP removal efficiency were evaluated using standard analytical techniques. MP concentrations showed strong seasonal variation, reaching up to 320 particles L −1 in winter. After microalgal treatment, MP levels decreased by approximately 90%, with higher removal efficiency observed for polyolefins (PP, PE, and HDPE) and fiber‐type MPs. Optimal growth occurred under continuous illumination (24 h, 12 W). Although biomass productivity was lower in river water, lipid content increased significantly (52.26% vs. 27.55% in control), resulting in a 1.63‐fold increase in lipid productivity. Biodiesel properties met EN 14214 standards. The findings demonstrated that microalgae‐based systems can provide dual benefits by effectively removing MPs from surface waters while simultaneously producing high‐value biofuels. This integrated approach offers a scalable, locally applicable solution aligned with circular‐economy principles and sustainable water‐management strategies.
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