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Traversing the potential of phytoremediation and phycoremediation as pioneering technologies in microplastic mitigation – A critical review
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This review examines how plants and algae can be used as natural tools to capture and remove microplastics from contaminated environments. Researchers analyzed the mechanisms by which plant roots trap microplastics in soil and how algae bind to and immobilize plastic particles in water. The study suggests that these biological remediation approaches offer sustainable, low-cost alternatives to conventional cleanup methods, though further research is needed to scale them up.
With the advent of numerous reports related to health and environmental hazards associated with microplastics (MPs), scientists have been engrossed in developing sustainable technologies for MP mitigation. Conventional methods for the remediation of MPs have several limitations, but with the increasing demand for biological mitigation methods, the latest technologies are prioritized. Among biological-driven methods, phytoremediation and phycoremediation are the two peaking approaches that have gained momentum because of their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability options. Investigations of the mechanisms underlying phytoremediation and phycoremediation processes can provide possible insights into practical applications in the present scenario. Modern instrumentation is a prerequisite for identifying and characterizing MPs and quantifying their removal efficiency. The current investigation highlights a unique combination of elaborate discussions on the use of plants in the mitigation of MPs, bibliometric analysis of the current status of research, their relevance to the modern context, and the development of a combinatorial strategy to amalgamate the advantages of these two unique processes via the concept of constructed wetlands for synergistically mitigating MPs. Thus, this review provides fresh insights into addressing MP pollution with sustainable ideologies to achieve improved mitigation outcomes without compromising the balance of the ecosystem.
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The power of green: Harnessing phytoremediation to combat micro/nanoplastics
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This review explores how plants and plant-based systems can be used to capture and remove micro- and nanoplastics from contaminated soil and water environments. Researchers found that certain plant species can absorb, trap, or break down plastic particles through their root systems and associated microorganisms. The study suggests that phytoremediation, or using plants to clean up pollution, could become a scalable and environmentally friendly strategy for tackling plastic contamination.
Phytoremediation of Microplastics: A Perspective on Its Practicality
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This review examines whether plants can be used to clean up microplastic pollution from soil and water through a process called phytoremediation. Researchers found that certain plant species can intercept, absorb, and temporarily store microplastics in their root systems. However, the approach faces practical limitations including slow uptake rates and uncertainty about long-term effectiveness, meaning it works best as one tool among several for addressing microplastic contamination.
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.
A critical review on remediation of microplastics using microalgae from aqueous system
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This review explores using microalgae -- tiny photosynthetic organisms -- as a natural way to remove microplastics from water. Microalgae can capture and clump microplastic particles together, making them easier to filter out. Since microplastics in water systems are a growing concern for human health through drinking water and seafood, biological removal methods like this could offer a more sustainable cleanup approach.
Exploring the Potential of Algae in the Mitigation of Plastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments
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This review examined how algae can help mitigate plastic pollution in aquatic environments, finding that certain algal species can adsorb, degrade, or entrap microplastics, suggesting potential bioremediation applications though large-scale effectiveness remains to be demonstrated.
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