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Algal-based Degradation of Microplastic: Prospects for Combating Microplastic Pollution
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Researchers reviewed the potential of microalgae to break down microplastics, exploring how these tiny aquatic organisms could offer a natural, low-cost solution to combat the growing problem of plastic pollution in freshwater and ocean environments.
Microalgae or microphytes are microscopic microorganisms that can be found in both freshwater and seawater. They can be described as a diverse group of unicellular and predominantly photosynthetic organisms. Eukaryotic or prokaryotic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)...
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Algae-microplastics interactions and their significance in combating aquatic plastic pollution
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Researchers review how algae interact with microplastics in aquatic environments, examining both the harmful effects on algae and the potential to harness algal biological properties for eco-friendly microplastic removal, toxicity mitigation, and repurposing of plastic particles.
Microplastic Pollution: Harmful Effects and Possible Bioremediation Strategies
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This review examines the harmful effects of microplastic pollution on terrestrial and marine ecosystems and surveys potential bioremediation strategies — including microbial, phytoremediation, and combined approaches — for mitigating contamination. Given that microplastics persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in food webs, identifying effective bioremediation pathways is essential for reducing the chronic dietary and environmental exposure burden on human and animal populations.
Biodegradation of Microplastics by Microbes
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Researchers examined how microplastic-degrading bacteria break down polymer structures by secreting hydrolytic extracellular enzymes including lipase, keratinase, and cellulases, providing foundational insight into the enzymatic pathways that underpin microbial biodegradation of plastic particles.
Microbial Degradation of Microplastics
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Microbial communities capable of colonizing and partially degrading plastic surfaces have been identified across global environments, raising the possibility of harnessing them for bioremediation of the plastic pollution crisis. However, current microbial degradation rates are far too slow to keep pace with plastic production, making engineered enhancement of these pathways a research priority.
Microbial Degradation of Microplastics
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Researchers reviewed microbial degradation mechanisms for microplastics, identifying bacterial and fungal species capable of colonizing plastic surfaces and breaking down polymer chains through enzymatic activity, though noting that degradation rates under environmental conditions remain too slow to address current pollution levels.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.