Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy Recovery
Reliance on plastic has resulted in the widespread occurrence of micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic ecosystems, threatening the food web and whole ecosystem functions. There is a tight interaction between MNPs and microalgae, as dominant living organisms and fundamental constituents at the base o...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2022-12-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/12/2400 |
| _version_ | 1797456146260295680 |
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| author | Abdelfatah Abomohra Dieter Hanelt |
| author_facet | Abdelfatah Abomohra Dieter Hanelt |
| author_sort | Abdelfatah Abomohra |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Reliance on plastic has resulted in the widespread occurrence of micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic ecosystems, threatening the food web and whole ecosystem functions. There is a tight interaction between MNPs and microalgae, as dominant living organisms and fundamental constituents at the base of the aquatic food web. Therefore, it is crucial to better understand the mechanisms underlying the interactions between plastic particles and microalgae, as well as the role of microalgae in removing MNPs from aquatic ecosystems. In addition, finding a suitable route for further utilization of MNP-contaminated algal biomass is of great importance. The present review article provides an interdisciplinary approach to elucidate microalgae–MNP interactions and subsequent impacts on microalgal physiology. The degradation of plastic in the environment and differences between micro- and nanoplastics are discussed. The possible toxic effects of MNPs on microalgal growth, photosynthetic activity, and morphology, due to physical or chemical interactions, are evaluated. In addition, the potential role of MNPs in microalgae cultivation and/or harvesting, together with further safe routes for biomass utilization in biofuel production, are suggested. Overall, the current article represents a state-of-the-art overview of MNP generation and the consequences of their accumulation in the environment, providing new insights into microalgae integrated routes of plastic removal and bioenergy production. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T16:04:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-4dcb1b52fa68418ca8792a8d9adc8b6b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2607 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T16:04:08Z |
| publishDate | 2022-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Microorganisms |
| spelling | doaj.art-4dcb1b52fa68418ca8792a8d9adc8b6b2023-11-24T16:48:28ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072022-12-011012240010.3390/microorganisms10122400Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy RecoveryAbdelfatah Abomohra0Dieter Hanelt1Aquatic Ecophysiology and Phycology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, 22609 Hamburg, GermanyAquatic Ecophysiology and Phycology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, 22609 Hamburg, GermanyReliance on plastic has resulted in the widespread occurrence of micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic ecosystems, threatening the food web and whole ecosystem functions. There is a tight interaction between MNPs and microalgae, as dominant living organisms and fundamental constituents at the base of the aquatic food web. Therefore, it is crucial to better understand the mechanisms underlying the interactions between plastic particles and microalgae, as well as the role of microalgae in removing MNPs from aquatic ecosystems. In addition, finding a suitable route for further utilization of MNP-contaminated algal biomass is of great importance. The present review article provides an interdisciplinary approach to elucidate microalgae–MNP interactions and subsequent impacts on microalgal physiology. The degradation of plastic in the environment and differences between micro- and nanoplastics are discussed. The possible toxic effects of MNPs on microalgal growth, photosynthetic activity, and morphology, due to physical or chemical interactions, are evaluated. In addition, the potential role of MNPs in microalgae cultivation and/or harvesting, together with further safe routes for biomass utilization in biofuel production, are suggested. Overall, the current article represents a state-of-the-art overview of MNP generation and the consequences of their accumulation in the environment, providing new insights into microalgae integrated routes of plastic removal and bioenergy production.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/12/2400biofuelplastic wastebioremediationmarine environmentgreen energy |
| spellingShingle | Abdelfatah Abomohra Dieter Hanelt Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy Recovery Microorganisms biofuel plastic waste bioremediation marine environment green energy |
| title | Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy Recovery |
| title_full | Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy Recovery |
| title_fullStr | Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy Recovery |
| title_full_unstemmed | Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy Recovery |
| title_short | Recent Advances in Micro-/Nanoplastic (MNPs) Removal by Microalgae and Possible Integrated Routes of Energy Recovery |
| title_sort | recent advances in micro nanoplastic mnps removal by microalgae and possible integrated routes of energy recovery |
| topic | biofuel plastic waste bioremediation marine environment green energy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/12/2400 |
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