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Related Concept Videos

Green Algae01:21

Green Algae

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Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
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The group Stramenopiles include some phototrophic microorganisms. Members of this group possess flagella covered in numerous short, hairlike extensions, a feature that inspired the group's name, derived from the Latin words for "straw" and "hair." Some of the main categories of Stramenopiles include diatoms, golden algae, and brown algae.Diatoms are unicellular, photosynthetic eukaryotes, with over 200 known genera. They play a key role in the planktonic communities of both marine and...
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Red Algae01:23

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Red algae, also known as rhodophytes, are primarily found in marine environments, though some species inhabit freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. These organisms exist in both unicellular and multicellular forms, with some multicellular varieties reaching macroscopic sizes.As phototrophic organisms, red algae contain chlorophyll a; however, their chloroplasts lack chlorophyll b. Instead, they possess phycobiliproteins, which serve as major light-harvesting pigments, similar to those found in...
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Induced aging, structural change, and adsorption behavior modifications of microplastics by microalgae.

Claude Kiki1, Ying Qiu2, Qi Wang3

  • 1CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100043, China; National Institute of Water, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526, Cotonou, Benin.

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Summary

Microalgal biofouling significantly alters microplastic (MP) properties, enhancing organic micropollutant adsorption on polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more than microbial biofouling. This process poses environmental and health risks due to altered MP characteristics.

Keywords:
AdsorptionAgingAlgal biofilmMPsOrganic micropollutants

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Materials Science
  • Ecotoxicology

Background:

  • Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental concern.
  • The impact of biofouling on MP properties and contaminant adsorption is not fully understood.
  • Microalgal biofouling may induce distinct changes compared to bacterial biofouling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of microalgal biofouling on the surface alteration and structural changes of virgin polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyamide (PA).
  • To evaluate the adsorption potential of MPs for organic micropollutants after microalgal biofouling.
  • To compare microalgal biofouling effects with river microbe biofouling on MP aging and contaminant adsorption.

Main Methods:

  • Virgin PE, PVC, and PA were exposed to algal photobioreactor and river freshwater for 30 days.
  • Physicochemical changes in MPs were analyzed using advanced characterization techniques.
  • Adsorption of bisphenol analogues and parabens onto virgin and biofouled MPs was quantified.

Main Results:

  • Microalgal biofouling induced significant MP aging, characterized by fractures, pits, cracks, and algal attachments, exceeding river microbe aging.
  • Algal organic matter intrusion and polymer functional group scission were observed, altering MP intrinsic properties.
  • Adsorption capacity for organic micropollutants increased significantly for algal-aged PE (3.04-6.72 times) and PVC (2.14-8.72 times).
  • Adsorption onto algal-aged MPs was pH-dependent, endothermic, non-spontaneous, and favored by hydrogen bonds.
  • Algal aging reduced adsorption on PA, likely due to amide group alteration.

Conclusions:

  • Microalgal biofouling profoundly alters MP properties and enhances their capacity to adsorb organic micropollutants, particularly for PE and PVC.
  • The findings highlight the critical role of microalgal bioactive compounds in MP aging and contaminant sequestration.
  • Increased MP pollutant adsorption due to microalgal biofouling presents significant environmental and potential health hazards.