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Jiang Y, Niu S, Wu J. The role of algae in regulating the fate of microplastics: A review for processes, mechanisms, and influencing factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175227. [PMID: 39098419 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
As an important emerging pollutant, the fate of microplastics (MPs) in ecosystems is of growing global concern. In addition to hydrodynamics and animals, algae can also affect the transport of MPs in aquatic environments, which could potentially remove MPs from the water column. Although researchers have conducted many studies on the sink of MPs regulated by algae in both marine and freshwater environments, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding coupled with the increasingly scattered study contents and findings. This review aims to provide a systematic discussion of the processes, mechanisms, and influencing factors, which are coupled with the sink of MPs changes by algae. The main processes identified include retention, flocculation, deposition, and degradation. The retention of MPs is achieved by adhesion of MPs to algae or embedment/encrustation of MPs within the epibiont matrix of algae, thereby preventing MPs from migrating with water currents. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and enzymes produced by algal metabolic activities can lead not only to the formation of aggregates containing MPs but also to the biodegradation of MPs. The processes that algae alter the fate of MPs in aquatic environments are very complex and can be influenced by various factors such as algal attributes, microplastic characteristics and environmental conditions. This review provides insights into recent advances in the fate of aquatic MPs and highlights the need for further research on MPs-algae interactions, potentially shortening the knowledge gap in the sink of MPs in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan 243002, People's Republic of China
| | - Siping Niu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan 243002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan 243002, People's Republic of China
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Shen M, Li H, Hu T, Wang W, Zheng K, Zhang H. Are micro/nanorobots an effective solution to eliminate micro/nanoplastics in water/wastewater treatment plants? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175153. [PMID: 39089384 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The extensive production and widespread use of plastic products have resulted in the gradual escalation of plastic pollution. Micro/nano/plastic pollution has become a global issue, and addressing how to "green" remove them is a crucial topic that needs to be tackled at this stage. Recently, micro/nanorobots have offered a promising solution for improving water monitoring and remediation as an environmentally friendly remediation strategy. Micro/nanorobots have been proven to efficiently remove micro/nanoplastics from water bodies. Micro/nanoplastics are captured by micro/nanorobots in water through electrostatic adsorption and electrophoretic interactions, and separation is achieved under the action of an external transverse rotating magnetic field. Their small size enables them to navigate easily in complex environments, while magnetic and optical drives help them move along established routes and reach different areas. With the assistance of these innovative robots, diffusion-limited reactions can be overcome, allowing for active contact with target pollutants. However, research on the removal of micro/nanoplastics by micro/nanorobots is still in its early stages. The dependence on chemical fuels and high costs severely limit the development and application of micro/nanorobots. Micro/nanoplastics are frequently captured by micro/nanorobots, but the degradation efficiency of micro/nanoplastics remains very low. Additionally, the secondary pollution caused by micro/nanorobots is also a key factor limiting their implementation. Although micro/nanorobots are a very promising technology for removing micro/nanoplastics, they still need to be explored in their applications. This paper discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by micro/nanorobots in removing micro/nanoplastics. Development and application of self-driven intelligent micro/nanorobots will help expedite the eco-friendly removal of micro/nanoplastics and other emerging pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Haokai Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Tong Hu
- College of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha 410205, PR China
| | - Kaixuan Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecological Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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Wang C, Lin X, Zhang X, Show PL. Research advances on production and application of algal biochar in environmental remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123860. [PMID: 38537803 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Algae, comprising microalgae and macroalgae, have emerged as a promising feedstock for the production of functional biochar. Recently, the application of algal biochar in environmental remediation gains increasing attention. This review summarizes research advancements in the synthesis and application of algal biochar, a versatile and sustainable material for environmental remediation ranging from wastewater treatment to soil improvement. Algal biochar can be prepared by pyrolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization. Physical and chemical modifications have proven to be effective for improving biochar properties. Algal biochar is promising for removing diverse pollutants including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microplastics. The role in soil improvement signifies a sustainable approach to enhancing soil structure, nutrient retention, and microbial activity. Research gaps are identified based on current understanding, necessitating further exploration into variations in biochar characteristics, the performance improvement, large-scale applications, and the long-term evaluation for environmental application. This review provides a better understanding of algal biochar as a sustainable and effective tool in environmental remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Zhongyuan Critical Metal Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; The Key Lab of Critical Metals Minerals Supernormal Enrichment and Extraction, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Zhongyuan Critical Metal Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuxiu Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Zhongyuan Critical Metal Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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Nohara NML, Ariza-Tarazona MC, Triboni ER, Nohara EL, Villarreal-Chiu JF, Cedillo-González EI. Are you drowned in microplastic pollution? A brief insight on the current knowledge for early career researchers developing novel remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170382. [PMID: 38307272 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) composed of different polymers with various shapes, within a vast granulometric distribution (1 μm - 5 mm) and with a wide variety of physicochemical surface and bulk characteristics spiral around the globe, with different atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial residence times, while interacting with other pollutants and biota. The challenges of microplastic pollution are related to the complex relationships between the microplastic generation mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological), their physicochemical properties, their interactions with other pollutants and microorganisms, the changes in their properties with aging, and their small sizes that facilitate their diffusion and transportation between the air, water, land, and biota, thereby promoting their ubiquity. Early career researchers (ERCs) constitute an essential part of the scientific community committed to overcoming the challenges of microplastic pollution with their new ideas and innovative scientific perspectives for the development of remediation technologies. However, because of the enormous amount of scientific information available, it may be difficult for ERCs to determine the complexity of this environmental issue. This mini-review aims to provide a quick and updated overview of the essential insights of microplastic pollution to ERCs to help them acquire the background needed to develop highly innovative physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies, as well as valorization proposals and environmental education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, the recommendations for the development of holistic microplastic pollution remediation strategies presented here can help ERCs propose technologies considering the environmental, social, and practical dimensions of microplastic pollution while fulfilling the current government policies to manage this plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoly Milhardo Lourenço Nohara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Maria Camila Ariza-Tarazona
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Eduardo Rezende Triboni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Evandro Luís Nohara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Taubaté, R. Daniel Daneli, no number, Taubaté, Brazil
| | - Juan Francisco Villarreal-Chiu
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología (CIByN), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Km. 10 autopista al Aeropuerto Internacional Mariano Escobedo, Apodaca 66628, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Erika Iveth Cedillo-González
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giusti, Florence 50121, Italy.
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