Papers

20 results
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Article Tier 2

Contribution of seaweed farming to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and microplastics pollution

Researchers reviewed how seaweed farming can help fight two major environmental problems: seaweed absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere without competing for agricultural land, and seaweed-derived polymers can be used to make biodegradable plastics that break down without generating persistent microplastics. Scaling up seaweed-based bioplastics remains limited by production costs, but the potential environmental benefits make further research worthwhile.

2024 Algal Research 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Green Efficiency Measurement of Seaweed Culture in China under the Double Carbon Target

This study measured the green efficiency of seaweed aquaculture in China in the context of carbon sequestration goals, finding variation across production regions. Sustainable seaweed cultivation can serve as an alternative to plastic-intensive conventional aquaculture, reducing ocean plastic inputs.

2023 Sustainability 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Recent Advances in Seaweed Biorefineries and Assessment of Their Potential for Carbon Capture and Storage

Not relevant to microplastics research; this paper reviews the potential of seaweed-based coastal marine biorefineries for producing third-generation biofuels and capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

2023 Preprints.org 14 citations
Article Tier 2

Recent Advances in Seaweed Biorefineries and Assessment of Their Potential for Carbon Capture and Storage

This review covers recent advances in seaweed biorefinery technologies for producing biofuels, high-value chemicals, and carbon capture, examining the technical challenges that limit large-scale production. Seaweeds are highlighted for their rapid growth, lack of competition with food crops, and potential for CO2 sequestration.

2023 Sustainability 17 citations
Article Tier 2

Harnessing microalgae for sustainable aquaculture and mariculture: Marine pollution mitigation and circular economy strategies

Researchers reviewed how microalgae can serve as a multipurpose bioremediation tool in aquaculture and mariculture, removing excess nutrients, capturing carbon, and reducing microplastic pollution, while also providing biomass for feed and supporting circular economy approaches that align with UN sustainability goals.

2025 Marine Pollution Bulletin 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Harnessing green tide Ulva biomass for carbon dioxide sequestration

Researchers reviewed the potential of using Ulva seaweed from harmful green tide blooms as a resource for carbon dioxide sequestration through biochar production. They estimated that Ulva biomass could capture approximately 3.85 million tons of CO2 equivalent, with nearly half stabilized through conversion to biochar. While not directly about microplastics, the study explores how repurposing marine biomass could address both coastal pollution and climate change.

2024 Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology 20 citations
Article Tier 2

A comparative environmental life cycle assessment of hatchery, cultivation, and preservation of the kelpSaccharina latissima

Researchers conducted a comparative environmental life cycle assessment of hatchery, cultivation, and preservation stages for the brown seaweed Saccharina latissima at a pilot facility in Sweden, accounting for nutrient bioremediation and carbon capture benefits. The study evaluated the environmental sustainability profile of seaweed cultivation as part of potential contributions to the circular bioeconomy.

2020 ICES Journal of Marine Science 65 citations
Article Tier 2

Victim of changes? Marine macroalgae in a changing world

Researchers reviewed the threats facing marine macroalgae (seaweeds) from anthropogenic stressors including climate change, ocean warming, and pollution. The study suggests that while habitat loss is less severe in oceans compared to land, climate change represents the most significant long-term threat to seaweed species, communities, and the ecosystem services they provide.

2023 Annals of Botany 36 citations
Article Tier 2

A baseline studies programme for sustainable and resilient seaweed cultivation in Faroese fjords

Researchers developed a baseline environmental studies programme for seaweed cultivation in Faroese fjords, scoping potential impacts on the marine environment and recommending a monitoring programme to support sustainable and resilient aquaculture development in the Faroe Islands.

2024 TemaNord
Article Tier 2

The environmental impact and economic feasibility assessment of composite calcium alginate bioplastics derived from Sargassum

Researchers assessed the environmental impact and economic feasibility of producing calcium alginate bioplastics from Sargassum seaweed, presenting a novel approach that could address both plastic pollution and invasive seaweed problems in the Caribbean.

2023 Green Chemistry 35 citations
Article Tier 2

Exploring Seaweed Cultivation in the Marine Environment and Its Interaction with Microplastic

This review examines interactions between seaweed cultivation in marine environments and microplastic pollution, exploring how seaweed can both accumulate microplastics and potentially be used in bioremediation strategies to reduce plastic contamination in coastal waters.

2025 BIOEDUSCIENCE
Article Tier 2

How Carbon Immobilization from Restored Marine Forests May Help Climate Change Mitigation Plans?

This review examines the potential for restored marine forest ecosystems including coral reefs, seagrasses, seaweeds, and sponge grounds to contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon immobilization, situating marine forests within the broader Blue Carbon framework and evaluating restoration strategies as nature-based climate solutions.

2022 Arquivos de Ciências do Mar 2 citations
Article Tier 2

A global spatial analysis reveals where marine aquaculture can benefit nature and people

A global spatial analysis identified marine ecoregions with the greatest potential for shellfish and seaweed aquaculture to simultaneously restore coastal ecosystems and provide food benefits to humanity, with highest opportunity regions in Oceania, North America, and parts of Asia. The study proposes a strategic framework for expanding sustainable marine aquaculture in alignment with ecosystem recovery goals.

2019 PLoS ONE 119 citations
Article Tier 2

The empirical evidence for the social-ecological impacts of seaweed farming

This systematic review assessed empirical evidence for social and ecological impacts of seaweed farming globally, finding that while benefits like improved water quality and coastal livelihoods are well-documented, many other claimed benefits lack strong empirical support.

2023 PLOS Sustainability and Transformation 42 citations
Article Tier 2

A review of tropical blue carbon ecosystems for climate change mitigation

This review examines how tropical blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and seaweed farms, help capture and store carbon to combat climate change. Researchers highlight that these coastal habitats face increasing threats from pollution, including plastic contamination, which can undermine their ability to sequester carbon. The study calls for better preservation and restoration of these ecosystems, noting significant knowledge gaps about their long-term carbon storage potential.

2023 Journal of Environmental Science and Economics 19 citations
Article Tier 2

Global seaweed farming and processing in the past 20 years

This review examines global seaweed farming and processing trends over the past 20 years, covering production methods, diverse applications, and the challenges facing the industry as seaweed emerges as a promising sustainable resource.

2022 Food Production Processing and Nutrition 160 citations
Article Tier 2

Seaweed as a sink for microplastic contamination: Uptake, identifications and food safety implications

This review examines how seaweed, a widely consumed food, absorbs and accumulates microplastics from ocean water. Research shows seaweed can account for up to 45.5% of total dietary microplastic intake in some regions, with particularly high levels in South Asia. The findings are concerning for human health because seaweed is eaten directly and is also increasingly used in health supplements and food additives.

2025 Environmental Research 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Bioremediation of n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals from wastewater using seaweeds

Researchers tested three types of dried seaweed for their ability to remove petroleum compounds and heavy metals from wastewater. They found that all three seaweed species effectively absorbed these pollutants, with removal rates improving as seaweed concentration increased. The study suggests that seaweed could serve as a low-cost, natural material for cleaning contaminated water.

2023 Environmental Science and Pollution Research 16 citations
Article Tier 2

Ecosystem Services Provided by Seaweeds

This review summarizes the many ecosystem services that seaweeds provide, including food production, carbon storage, water filtration, and habitat for marine life. Seaweeds can also help combat pollution by absorbing heavy metals and other contaminants from the water. The review is relevant to microplastics research because healthy seaweed ecosystems may play a role in filtering microplastics from ocean water, and damage to these ecosystems could worsen marine plastic pollution.

2023 Hydrobiology 133 citations
Article Tier 2

Establishment of Effective Callus Induction in the Economically Important Brown Seaweed Ecklonia cava

Not relevant to microplastics — this study describes tissue culture techniques for inducing callus growth in the edible brown seaweed Ecklonia cava to support sustainable aquaculture, with no connection to plastic pollution.

2024 Applied Sciences 2 citations