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Algae: a frontline photosynthetic organism in the microplastic catastrophe
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Researchers characterized airborne microplastic deposition in an urban area of China over 12 months, finding seasonal variation with higher deposition in winter and spring. Fibers accounted for the majority of particles, with polypropylene and polyester dominating.
Recalcitrancy in microplastics (MPs) contributes to white pollution. Bioremediation can remove MPs and facilitate environmental sustainability. Although recent studies have been conducted on the interaction of algae and MPs, the role of algae in MP removal with the simultaneous implementation of 'omics studies has not yet been discussed. Here, we review the adverse effects of MPs on the environment and possible approaches to remove them from the aquatic environment by using algae. We highlight the mechanism of MP biodegradation, the algal species that have been used, and how these are affected by MPs. We propose that algomics, characterization of biodegrading enzymes, and genetic engineering could be effective strategies for optimizing MP degradation.
More Papers Like This
[Occurrence of Atmospheric (Micro)plastics and the Characteristics of the Plastic Associated Biofilms in the Coastal Zone of Dalian in Summer and Autumn].
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Researchers investigated atmospheric microplastics in the coastal zone of Dalian, China, across summer and autumn seasons, characterizing plastic types and associated biofilm communities to better understand the sources and pollution characteristics of airborne plastic particles.
Atmospheric microplastic deposition in an urban agglomeration: Spatiotemporal dynamics, influencing factors and ecological risks
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Researchers tracked microplastic pollution falling from the air across a major Chinese urban region (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) over a full year, finding that busier, wealthier, more populated areas had significantly more tiny plastic particles raining down from the sky, especially in spring. Most of these particles were tiny plastic fibers, often from synthetic textiles, small enough to potentially be inhaled, and the study found "moderate" to "high" ecological risk levels at various sites, highlighting that the air we breathe in cities is a real and measurable source of microplastic exposure that changes with location and season.
Atmospheric deposition is an important pathway for inputting microplastics: Insight into the spatiotemporal distribution and deposition flux in a mega city
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Researchers monitored microplastic fallout from the atmosphere in the Chinese megacity of Wuhan over an entire year and found an average of about 83 particles landing per square meter per day. The highest concentrations fell in spring, with city centers receiving more than suburbs, and most particles were tiny fibers from textiles. This study shows that simply breathing outdoor air and living in a city exposes people to a constant rain of microplastic particles.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in the megalopolis (Shanghai) during rainy season: Characteristics, influence factors, and source
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Researchers characterized atmospheric microplastic deposition in Shanghai during the rainy season, finding that rainfall events significantly increased deposition rates, with fibers dominating and sources linked to both local urban activities and long-range atmospheric transport.
Characteristic of microplastics in the atmospheric fallout from Dongguan city, China: preliminary research and first evidence
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Researchers characterized microplastics in atmospheric fallout collected in Dongguan City, China, finding that airborne microplastics are deposited daily and that urban areas generate significant atmospheric microplastic emissions.
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.