Microalgal-based industry vs. microplastic pollution: Current knowledge and future perspectives

Mendonça, Ivana; Faria, Marisa; Rodrigues, Filipa; Cordeiro, Nereida

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/5566

Use this identifier to reference this record.

Name:	Description:	Size:	Format:
Microalgal-based industry vs microplastic pollution.pdf		8.73 MB	Adobe PDF	Download

Send Feedback

Authors

Abstract(s)

Microalgae can play a crucial role in the environment due to their efficient capture of CO2 and their potential as a solution for a carbon-negative economy. Water quality is critical for the success and profitability of microalgal based industries, and understanding their response to emergent pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs), is essential. Despite the published studies investigating the impact of MPs on microalgae, knowledge in this area remains limited. Most studies have mainly focused on microalgal growth, metabolite analysis, and photosyn thetic activity, with significant discrepancies in what is known about the impact on biomass yield. Recent studies show that the yield of biomass production depends on the levels of water contamination by MPs, making it necessary to reduce the contamination levels in the water. However, present technologies for extracting and purifying water from MPs are limited, and further research and technological advancements are required. One promising solution is the use of bio-based polymer materials, such as bacterial cellulose, which offer biode gradability, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly detoxifying properties. This review summarises the current knowledge on MPs pollution and its impact on the viability and proliferation of microalgae-based industries, highlights the need for further research, and discusses the potential of bio-solutions for MPs removal in microalgae-based industries.

Keywords

Microplastics Biomass production Wastewater treatment plants Bio-based polymer materials Environmental impact Bioremediation . Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/5566

Citation

Mendonça, I., Faria, M., Rodrigues, F., & Cordeiro, N. (2023). Microalgal-based industry vs microplastic pollution: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Science of the Total Environment, 168414.