We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Identification, Quantification and Biodegradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Environment by Metabolism of Microorganisms
Summary
This study developed a protocol combining Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, confocal microscopy, and microbial metabolism to identify, quantify, and biodegrade microplastics in aquatic environments. The approach identified polyolefin as the dominant microplastic substance and demonstrated biological degradation capacity.
Abstract Microplastics pollution in aquatic environment has become a global environmental problem. However, technologies for identification, quantification and especially for efficient degradation of microplastics remain largely underdeveloped. This work presents a protocol which can identify and biodegrade microplastics based on the metabolizing of microorganism. Raman spectroscopy and FTIR spectrometry identify the main substance of the separated microplastics is polyolefin. CLSM images stained with Nile red reveal the shape and size of the microplastics. EDS elemental maps suggest the C/O ratio in the microplastics. The microorganism used without domestication by microplastics exhibit an efficient performance in degrading of microplastics by metabolizing. The microorganism grew and inhabited on or in the microplastics, and then metabolized them. 0.22 g of microplastics on the filter paper (d=50mm) can be degraded completely after 33 days.