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The removal capacities of three filamentous fungi to remediate floating microplastic particles
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Three common filamentous fungi — Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, and Penicillium rubens — were found to remove 59–67% of polyamide microplastic particles from liquid environments within 24–72 hours through surface adhesion rather than biodegradation. This passive removal mechanism is far faster than full plastic degradation and suggests that fungi could be harnessed as a practical, low-cost tool for microplastic remediation.
Abstract Plastic pollution is known to exert significant negative impacts on the entire food web which, in turn, affects humans. Microorganisms are capable of breaking down released polymers, however full degradation of polymers in situ is long-lasting, estimated to take place within hundreds to thousands of years. On the contrary, passive removal, e.g. through surface adhesion on living biota, can remediate polluters within hours to days rather than years. In this study, the potential of three filamentous fungi namely Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus terreus and Penicillium rubens was investigated to remediate polyamide particles of 5 µm size from a liquid environment. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed removal capacities of 59 to 67% within 24 to 72 hours. Microscopic examinations allowed to visualize that the particles were tightly attached to fungal hyphae, consequently overgrown by succeeding layers of mycelium to restrain particles within the fungal pellet. These findings reveal great potential for future mycelia-based applications such as regenerative and sustainable “biofilters” to clear flowing water.
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