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Remediation and upcycling of microplastics by algae with wastewater nutrient removal and bioproduction potential
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Researchers demonstrated that algae can simultaneously remediate microplastics from water and remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, while also producing valuable biomass, presenting an integrated and sustainable platform that converts plastic waste into a resource.
Microplastics have emerged as major environmental hazards that require efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable remediation technologies. This study introduces an integrative platform for the remediation and upcycling of microplastics by algae, while synergizing with plastic upcycling, wastewater treatment, and algal production. The strategy employs a mechanism that enhances hydrophobic interactions between the cell surface and microplastics, enabling rapid aggregation and removal. The platform achieves a superior microplastic removal efficiency of 91.4% within 1 hour, with a capacity of 0.1-gram microplastic per gram of biomass. Furthermore, the study demonstrates an upcycling strategy that converts microplastics-enriched cyanobacteria into plastic composites with unique performance. This work also integrates microplastic removal with cyanobacterial bioproduction and wastewater treatment, offering an approach that synergizes remediation with these value-added processes. Ultimately, this platform provides a viable and sustainable pathway to address microplastic pollution by creating value through plastic upcycling, wastewater nutrient removal, and CO2-based bioproduction.
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Are algae a promising ecofriendly approach to micro/nanoplastic remediation?
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This review examines the potential of algae as an eco-friendly approach to removing micro- and nanoplastics from wastewater treatment plant effluents, covering mechanisms including interception, entanglement, and heteroaggregation. Algae also offer the added benefit of nutrient recovery from wastewater and can be further processed into biochar or biofertilizer.
Evaluating the impact of innovative algae- based membrane bioreactors against the emerging microplastic crisisin combating water pollution
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This study evaluated algae-based membrane bioreactors for removing microplastics and other emerging contaminants from wastewater, finding that combining algal biomass with membrane filtration improved MP removal efficiency compared to conventional biological treatment alone.
Harnessing microalgae for sustainable aquaculture and mariculture: Marine pollution mitigation and circular economy strategies
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Researchers reviewed how microalgae can serve as a multipurpose bioremediation tool in aquaculture and mariculture, removing excess nutrients, capturing carbon, and reducing microplastic pollution, while also providing biomass for feed and supporting circular economy approaches that align with UN sustainability goals.
Exploring the potential of microalgae in removal of microplastics from the environment and scope of this entity as feedstock for biofuel production
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This review explores the potential of microalgae to capture and remove microplastics from aquatic environments, examining the mechanisms by which algal cells adsorb or aggregate plastic particles and discussing the feasibility of algae-based remediation at scale.
Interplay of plastic pollution with algae and plants: hidden danger or a blessing?
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Researchers tested the ability of three microalgae species to remove microplastics from water through bioadhesion, finding that all three species could adsorb particles onto their surfaces. Removal efficiency depended on particle size, surface charge, and algae cell morphology.
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.