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Biotreatment strategies for the removal of microplastics from freshwater systems. A review
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This review examines biodegradation of the five most common microplastics by bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae, finding that while no biological method fully removes microplastics within a practical timeframe, combining biodegradation with membrane filtration shows the most promise. Given that microplastics bioaccumulate hazardous additives and pathogens, developing economical and environmentally safe removal methods for freshwater systems is an urgent public health priority.
Research on plastic pollution has recently evidenced the ubiquitous presence of tiny plastic particles called microplastics. Microplastics alter organisms because microplastics tend to bioaccumulate, they contain hazardous additives, and they carry other contaminants and pathogens adsorbed on their surface. Here, we review the biodegradation of the five most common microplastics: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene. Despite the fact that most plastics are hardly biodegradable, biodegradation is still a popular remediation techniques because it is highly economical and environmentally friendly. Biodegradation can be done applying single or combined bio-cultures such as bacteria, mold, yeast, and algae. We present analytical and microbiological methods used for monitoring microplastic biodegradation. Actually, no microbial method removes completely microplastics from the environment within a reasonable time interval. As a consequence, the last developments combine biodegradation with other methods such as membrane filtration.
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Bioremediation Strategies for Microplastic Removal in Impacted Aquatic Environments
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This review examined bioremediation strategies — using microorganisms, algae, and other biological agents — to remove microplastic contamination from urban aquatic environments including drinking water treatment plants. Bioremediation offers a potentially scalable, low-cost pathway to reducing the microplastic load in water systems before plastics reach tap water and human consumers.
A Review on Aquatic Impacts of Microplastics and Its Bioremediation Aspects
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Microplastics enter aquatic ecosystems through improper disposal, causing reduced feeding, lower fecundity, inflammation, and gene-level changes in aquatic organisms. Bacterial biodegradation shows promise as an eco-friendly remediation approach, as microbes can enzymatically break down plastic particles into carbon dioxide, methane, and water.
Microplastic Remediation in Aquatic Environment
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Researchers evaluated biological and physical strategies for removing microplastics from aquatic environments, including enzyme-based degradation and filtration techniques. Developing efficient remediation methods is urgent because microplastics persist and accumulate in water bodies, continuously cycling into food chains and posing long-term risks to ecosystem and human health.
Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems
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Researchers reviewed the widespread presence of microplastics in freshwater environments — including remote lakes and rivers — finding that microfibers from textiles are the most commonly detected type. Since freshwater is a source of drinking water and food, its contamination with microplastics has direct implications for human health.
Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems
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Researchers reviewed the evidence for microplastic contamination across freshwater environments, finding these particles in virtually all rivers and lakes studied — including remote wilderness areas. Microfibers from synthetic textiles are consistently the most common type found, suggesting laundry runoff is a major and underappreciated source.
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.