This review paper analyses the information published in scientific articles and official reports on the occurrence and effects of microplastics in the marine environment, particularly on algae and their potential use for microplastic remediation. In marine environments, polyethylene is the most common polymer found, followed by polypropylene, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms. Algal-microplastic interactions offer potential solutions to marine plastic pollution, as they could be used in the remediation of microplastics due to their high adsorption capacity. The study highlights that extensive research is needed to determine the most suitable algal species, optimal conditions, practical challenges, and potential risks that are associated with this phycoremediation approach. The development of standardised protocols and reliable analytical techniques is essential, and at the same time, systematic research on microplastics is necessary to understand their sources, distribution, impacts, and risks, inform environmental and human health policies, and promote sustainable alternatives to plastics.
This paper characterizes the fungal and bacterial colonizers of 5 types of plastic films (High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate) throughout a 242-day incubation in the south-eastern Mediterranean and relates them to the chemical changes observed on the surface of the samples via ATR-FTIR. Neither bacterial nor fungal community structures were related[…]
This paper provides insights into the sustainable alternatives that can replace conventional plastic mulches, such as biodegradable mulches made from natural fibers and biopolymers. The microscopic and FTIR analyses conducted during the study showed the degradation of the fibers from the mulches during the exposure time to a certain extent. The nonwoven mulches provide higher[…]
This paper investigates the degradation of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) and traditional polyethylene (PE) plastic under two typical abiotic conditions: ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and mechanical abrasion (MA) for up to nine months. The quantitative analysis of the degradation products was carried out using membrane filtration and total organic carbon determination (MF-TOCD). The results[…]
This paper identifies technological innovation, policy formulation, advocacy and sensitization, and bioremediation as some of the approaches that are currently used for the mitigation of plastic pollution in Nigeria. This chapter also highlights the need to encourage, enhance, and disseminate scientific research on mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution in Nigeria. It concluded with[…]
This review provides insights into the sources of microplastics, the ecotoxicity of microplastics, and the impact microplastics have on aquatic and marine life, management, and bioremediation of microplastics. Policies and strategies adopted by the government to combat microplastic pollution are also discussed in this review. Microplastics tend to accumulate in many aquatic systems, contaminate them,[…]