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Green algae for the removal of bisphenol A: Integrated analysis of toxicological and metabolic responses at the cellular and molecular levels
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BPA, a chemical released as microplastics break down, is a known toxic pollutant found in water, soil, and even air—and this review rounds up what scientists currently know about how green algae can help remove it from water. The good news: some algae naturally break down or absorb BPA, offering a promising, low-cost way to clean up contaminated water, though BPA exposure also affects the algae's own health and growth. Since these algae sit at the bottom of the food chain and are also used to make foods and supplements, understanding how they handle BPA matters for both cleaning up pollution and keeping our food and water supplies safer.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound released into the environment as a result of the decomposition of microplastics. Due to its widespread presence and high toxicity to living organisms, it poses a significant environmental challenge. In aquatic ecosystems, photosynthetic green microalgae (Chlorophyta) are primary producers and are important for the assessment and monitoring of water quality. Although green algae are a source of valuable biocompounds, such as fatty acids or proteins which are important in the human diet, and a renewable energy source, the effects of BPA exposure on the metabolism of these microorganisms are poorly understood. This review summarises recent studies on the occurrence of BPA in the environment, including water, wastewater, leachates, soil, sediments, sludge, air, and dust and presents current knowledge on the mechanisms by which green algae remove BPA. The present study also explores the impact of BPA on growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, gene expression, and metabolic pathways in green microalgae.
More Papers Like This
Insights into the Adverse Effects of Bisphenol A on the Environment and Human Health
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Researchers investigated the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA), its replacement bisphenol F (BPF), and their combination on primary producers, finding that both compounds harm eukaryotic green algae and raising concerns about the safety of BPA substitutes.
The influence of microplastics on the toxic effects and biodegradation of bisphenol A in the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics inhibited the biodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA) by the microalga Chlorella vulgaris, with combined exposure showing greater toxicity than either contaminant alone due to BPA adsorption onto microplastic surfaces.
Ferroptosis is the key cellular process mediating Bisphenol A responses in Chlamydomonas and a promising target for enhancing microalgae-based bioremediation
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Researchers discovered that ferroptosis, a specific type of cell death involving iron and lipid damage, is the primary cellular mechanism through which bisphenol A (BPA) — a common microplastic component — harms green algae. By understanding this pathway, they identified potential targets for enhancing the ability of microalgae to break down BPA pollution. The findings could help improve algae-based bioremediation strategies for cleaning up plastic-related contaminants in water.
Microalgal Bioremediation of Microplastics: Current Advances, Challenges and Environmental Applications
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are everywhere in our water and food, and they're small enough to slip into our cells and tissues, raising health concerns. This review paper looks at how microscopic algae might help clean up the problem—by trapping plastic particles, sticking to them and sinking them out of the water, or even breaking them down using natural enzymes. While this is still an emerging area of research rather than a ready-to-use solution, it points to a promising, eco-friendly way to reduce the amount of plastic pollution that ends up in our water, food, and ultimately our bodies.
Bio-removal of bisphenol A by cyanobacterium Gloeocapsopsis crepidium
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Researchers tested the ability of the cyanobacterium Gloeocapsopsis crepidium to biodegrade bisphenol A, a toxic endocrine-disrupting compound that can be released from microplastic pollution. The organism was exposed to varying concentrations of BPA under controlled laboratory conditions, and results showed significant bioremoval capacity. The study suggests that naturally occurring cyanobacteria may offer a low-cost biological method for reducing BPA contamination in aquatic environments.
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