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Removal of microplastics by algal biomass from aqueous solutions: performance, optimization, and modeling
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Researchers found that algae (Chlorella vulgaris) can remove up to 73% of polystyrene microplastics from water under optimized conditions. Using algae as a natural, eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments offers a sustainable approach to cleaning up microplastic pollution in water systems without introducing additional harmful substances.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that pose significant risks to ecosystems due to their inherent toxicity, capacity to accumulate various pollutants, and potential for synergistic impacts. Given these concerns, the focus of this research is on the critical need for effective MPs removal from aquatic environments. Using BBD method, this study aimed to identify the key parameters affecting the removal of MPs by algal biomass from aqueous solutions. The investigation specifically analyzed the effects of varying initial PS concentrations (100 to 900 mg/L), pH values (4 to 10), reaction durations (20 to 40 min), and C. vulgaris dosages (50 to 400 mg/L). Data analysis indicated that QM best described the experimental findings, leading to the identification of optimal conditions for PS removal: a pH of 7.5, a reaction time of 31.90 min, a C. vulgaris dosage of 274.05 mg/L, and a PS level of 789.37 mg/L. Under these conditions, the study achieved a maximum removal efficiency of 73.01% for PS. These outcomes demonstrate the significant potential of C. vulgaris in efficiently removing PS from water. Furthermore, using algae as a green, eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical coagulants offers a practical and sustainable approach to addressing MPs pollution in our water systems.
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Utilizing Chlorella vulgaris algae as an eco-friendly coagulant for efficient removal of polyethylene microplastics from aquatic environments
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Researchers tested the green algae Chlorella vulgaris as an eco-friendly coagulant for removing polyethylene microplastics from water. Using optimized experimental conditions, they achieved a removal rate of nearly 99% under the best parameters. The study suggests that algae-based coagulation offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to chemical methods for cleaning microplastic-contaminated water.
Using Spirulina platensis as a natural biocoagulant for polystyrene removal from aqueous medium: performance, optimization, and modeling
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Researchers tested Spirulina platensis, a type of blue-green algae, as a natural coagulant for removing polystyrene microplastics from water. By optimizing conditions like pH, contact time, and dosage, they achieved significant removal of the plastic particles from aqueous solutions. The study suggests that natural biocoagulants could offer an eco-friendly approach to addressing microplastic contamination in water.
Optimizing initial biomass to enhance microplastic sequestration via density-driven bio-flocculation in microalgal systems
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Scientists found that certain algae (like Chlorella and Spirulina) can help clean up microplastic pollution in water by clumping the tiny plastic particles together and settling them out—and that starting with the right amount of algae (around 1000 mg per liter) works best for both growing the algae and removing plastic. This matters because microplastics are increasingly showing up in our water supplies and food, and this research points toward a natural, low-cost way to filter them out before they reach us.
Influence of microplastics on microalgal performance during wastewater polishing
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Researchers studied how five common types of microplastics affect the green alga Chlorella vulgaris during wastewater treatment. They found that while microplastics reduced algal metabolism and growth, the organism maintained its ability to effectively remove nutrients from wastewater. The study demonstrates that Chlorella vulgaris is a robust candidate for bioremediation of microplastic-contaminated wastewater, even under pollutant stress.
The utilization of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from microalgae Chlorella vulgaris in microplastic removal
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Researchers investigated whether exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Chlorella vulgaris microalgae can facilitate the removal of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics from aquatic systems, while also examining microplastic effects on algal growth. The study demonstrates that EPS functions as a bioflocculant capable of binding microplastics, with implications for biologically-based water treatment.
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