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Removal of microplastics with microalgae and biofuel production
Summary
This review examines the potential of microalgae to simultaneously remove microplastics from water while serving as a feedstock for biofuel production, evaluating both the biosorption mechanisms involved and the downstream feasibility of converting biomass to energy.
Plastics are extensively used in contemporary life because of their versatility, resilience, and cost effectiveness. Nevertheless, the widespread utilization of these products has resulted in a substantial environmental issue due to their accumulation. Plastics have a decomposition process that can persist for several centuries, and a significant portion of the plastic that is manufactured ultimately ends up in landfills or the natural ecosystem in the form of microplastics. To mitigate plastic pollution, lowering plastic usage and increasing recycling activities are vital. Additionally, plastic waste treatment can be done through the employment of biologically based techniques, including the utilization of photosynthetic prokaryotic and eukaryotic microalgae. These autotrophic organisms are also very efficient tools in sustainably producing biofuels (biohydrogen, bioethanol, and biodiesel). Thus, this chapter summarizes the current understanding of the ability of microalgae species to remove microplastics and produce biofuels. The chapter also highlights challenges and prospects for enhancing sustainable microalgal removal of microplastics and biofuel generation.