We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics removal from water body by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from microalge through surfactants pre-treatment
Summary
Researchers explored using extracellular polymeric substances extracted from microalgae — combined with surfactant pretreatment — to remove microplastics from water. The biological approach showed promise as a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional filtration methods.
International audience
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic removal in aquatic systems using extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of microalgae
Researchers tested whether extracellular polymeric substances produced by microalgae could remove microplastics from water. Among four microalgae strains tested under stress conditions, Spirulina produced the most polymeric substances and formed the largest aggregates with microplastic particles. The study suggests that microalgae-based bioremediation could offer a sustainable, low-cost approach to reducing microplastic contamination in water sources.
Extracellular polymeric substances from Spirulina sp. for the bioremediation of fishing net–derived microplastics in seawater
Researchers tested whether extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by the microalga Spirulina could remove polyethylene microplastics derived from fishing nets from seawater. The biological substances from Spirulina showed measurable ability to bind and aggregate the plastic particles, suggesting a natural bioremediation approach for marine microplastic pollution. This is relevant because discarded fishing nets are a major and persistent source of microplastics in the ocean.
The utilization of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from microalgae Chlorella vulgaris in microplastic removal
Researchers investigated whether exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Chlorella vulgaris microalgae can facilitate the removal of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics from aquatic systems, while also examining microplastic effects on algal growth. The study demonstrates that EPS functions as a bioflocculant capable of binding microplastics, with implications for biologically-based water treatment.
Functional groups in microalgal extracellular polymeric substances: A promising biopolymer for microplastic mitigation in marine ecosystems
Researchers characterized the sticky, sugar-like substances (extracellular polymeric substances, or EPS) produced by three types of microalgae and found these natural biopolymers could potentially bind and aggregate microplastics in marine environments, pointing toward a nature-based approach to reducing ocean plastic pollution.
Utilizing Chlorella vulgaris algae as an eco-friendly coagulant for efficient removal of polyethylene microplastics from aquatic environments
Researchers tested the green algae Chlorella vulgaris as an eco-friendly coagulant for removing polyethylene microplastics from water. Using optimized experimental conditions, they achieved a removal rate of nearly 99% under the best parameters. The study suggests that algae-based coagulation offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to chemical methods for cleaning microplastic-contaminated water.