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Differential effects of petroleum-based and bio-based microplastics on anaerobic digestion: A review
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This review compared the effects of petroleum-based and bio-based microplastics on anaerobic digestion processes, finding that both types can inhibit microbial activity and alter digestion performance, with the relative impacts depending on plastic polymer type and concentration.
The number of plastics is increasing owing to the rapid development of the plastics industry. Microplastics (MPs) are formed during the use of both petroleum-based plastics and newly developed bio-based plastics. These MPs are inevitably released into the environment and are enriched in wastewater treatment plant sludge. Anaerobic digestion is a popular sludge stabilization method for wastewater treatment plants. Understanding the potential impacts of different MPs on anaerobic digestion is critical. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of petroleum-based MPs and bio-based MPs in anaerobic digestion methane production and compares their potential effects on biochemical pathways, key enzyme activities, and microbial communities. Finally, it identifies problems that must be solved in the future, proposes the focus of future research, and predicts the future development direction of the plastics industry.
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Effects of Micro(nano)plastics on Anaerobic Digestion and Their Influencing Mechanisms
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics from organic waste streams affect anaerobic digestion (AD) performance, covering impacts on methane production, microbial community structure, and enzyme activity. It identifies plastic polymer type and concentration as key variables determining whether MPs stimulate or inhibit digestion processes.
A review of mechanisms underlying the impacts of (nano)microplastics on anaerobic digestion
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This review summarized mechanisms by which nano- and microplastics affect anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment, covering inhibition and enhancement pathways, impacts on biogas production and methane yield, and effects on microbial community structure.
Polymer-specific effects of biodegradable plastic–derived microplastics on anaerobic digestion performance and microbial pathways
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Researchers systematically tested microplastics from eight biodegradable polymers in anaerobic digestion and found starkly different outcomes depending on polymer chemistry: PHB-derived particles actually boosted methane yields, while polylactic acid and cellulose diacetate severely inhibited the process, causing hydrogen buildup and prolonged lag phases.
Systematic study of microplastics on methane production in anaerobic digestion: Performance and microbial response
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Microplastics are increasingly found in wastewater treatment systems, and this study systematically examined how different types, concentrations, and sizes of microplastics affect the anaerobic digestion process used to break down sewage sludge and generate biogas. Polyethylene microplastics were found to inhibit methane production, with finer particles and higher concentrations causing greater disruption to the microbial communities driving digestion. The findings matter because microplastics in sewage sludge can impair the treatment process and also end up spread on agricultural land when sludge is used as fertilizer.
Impact of petroleum versus bio-based nano/microplastics on fermentative biohydrogen production from sludge
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Researchers compared how petroleum-based and bio-based micro- and nanoplastics affect biohydrogen production from sewage sludge during dark fermentation. They found that both types of plastics influenced hydrogen yields, with some bio-based plastics having comparable or even greater inhibitory effects than conventional petroleum-derived ones. The study suggests that bio-based plastics may not be as environmentally benign as assumed when they enter waste treatment systems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.