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Harnessing photosynthetic microorganisms for enhanced bioremediation of microplastics: A comprehensive review
Barone, Giovanni Davide Rodríguez-Seijo, Andrés Parati, Mattia Erdem, Elif Cernava, Tomislav Zhu, Zhi Liu, Xufeng Axmann, Ilka M Lindblad, Peter
Barone, Giovanni Davide
Rodríguez-Seijo, Andrés
Parati, Mattia
Erdem, Elif
Cernava, Tomislav
Zhu, Zhi
Liu, Xufeng
Axmann, Ilka M
Lindblad, Peter
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2024-03-20
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Abstract
Mismanaged plastics, upon entering the environment, undergo degradation through physicochemical and/or biological processes. This process often results in the formation of microplastics (MPs), the most prevalent form of plastic debris (<1 mm). MPs pose severe threats to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, necessitating innovative strategies for effective remediation. Some photosynthetic microorganisms can degrade MPs but there lacks a comprehensive review. Here we examine the specific role of photoautotrophic microorganisms in water and soil environments for the biodegradation of plastics, focussing on their unique ability to grow persistently on diverse polymers under sunlight. Notably, these cells utilise light and CO2 to produce valuable compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, showcasing their multifaceted environmental benefits. We address key scientific questions surrounding the utilisation of photosynthetic microorganisms for MPs and nanoplastics (NPs) bioremediation, discussing potential engineering strategies for enhanced efficacy. Our review highlights the significance of alternative biomaterials and the exploration of strains expressing enzymes, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolases, in conjunction with microalgal and/or cyanobacterial metabolisms. Furthermore, we delve into the promising potential of photo-biocatalytic approaches, emphasising the coupling of plastic debris degradation with sunlight exposure. The integration of microalgal-bacterial consortia is explored for biotechnological applications against MPs and NPs pollution, showcasing the synergistic effects in wastewater treatment through the absorption of nitrogen, heavy metals, phosphorous, and carbon. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the use of photoautotrophic cells for plastic bioremediation. It underscores the need for continued investigation into the engineering of these microorganisms and the development of innovative approaches to tackle the global issue of plastic pollution in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Citation
Barone, G.D., Rodríguez-Seijo, A., Parati, M. et al. (2024) Harnessing photosynthetic microorganisms for enhanced bioremediation of microplastics: A comprehensive review. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 20, 100407.
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Journal article
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en
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© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2024.100407
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ISSN
2666-4984
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Sponsors
The authors acknowledge the financial support by the University
of Graz (Open Access Publishing Agreement). ARS would like to
acknowledge the support given through ED431C2021/46-GRC
attributed to Universidade de Vigo by Xunta de Galicia and
IJC2020-044197-I through the Universidade de Vigo, MCIN/AEI/
10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union through “Next-
GenerationEU/PRTR”. This article/publication is based upon work
from COST Action CA20101 Plastics monitoRIng detectiOn RemedIaTion
recoverY - PRIORITY, supported by COST (European Cooperation
in Science and Technology), www.cost.eu. This work was
partially supported the University of Wolverhampton Research
Investment Fund (RIF4).