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Bioremediation of low-density polyethylene microplastics using red microalga porphyridium purpureum: a biotechnological perspective
Summary
Scientists found that a red algae species can break down nearly a third of certain plastic particles (the kind found in plastic bags and packaging) under lab conditions, actually eating away at the plastic's surface and chemical structure. This matters because microplastics are increasingly turning up in our water, food, and even our bodies, and finding natural organisms that can help clean them up could offer a promising, eco-friendly tool for tackling plastic pollution before it reaches us.
In the present study, the biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene microplastics was investigated using Porphyridium purpureum microalgae, with a focus on evaluating the effects of microplastic concentration, particle size, and shaking speed. The study was conducted in two phases: first, optimizing the cultivation conditions for Porphyridium purpureum, followed by assessing its ability to remove Low-Density Polyethylene. The highest microalgae yield was achieved under optimal conditions, which included a light intensity of 2500 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, F/2 culture medium, and a temperature of 30 °C. These conditions were established as the baseline for the Low-Density Polyethylene removal phase. The results demonstrated that the maximum Low-Density Polyethylene removal efficiency achieved was 34.24%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis demonstrated a reduction in the intensity of the carbonyl functional group, likely due to the release of carbon from the microplastic structure, thereby indicating an effective interaction between microalgae and Low-Density Polyethylene. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy images revealed significant surface modifications, including small holes and corrosion on the Low-Density Polyethylene particles, providing strong evidence of the degradation process facilitated by Porphyridium purpureum. These findings suggest that the microalgae have the potential to degrade Low-Density Polyethylene microplastics, offering valuable insights into their use for bioremediation of microplastic pollution.