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Green Algae

Green Algae

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...

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...

Overview of Algae

Overview of Algae

The kingdom Archaeplastida encompasses red and green algae, along with land plants. Unlike other protists with chloroplasts that arose through secondary endosymbiosis, only red and green algae originated from primary endosymbiotic events. This diverse group of eukaryotic organisms contains chlorophyll and performs oxygenic photosynthesis.Algae exist in various forms, from large brown kelp in coastal waters to green scum in puddles and stains on rocks or soil. Some species are responsible for...

Bioremediation

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Other Algae

Other Algae

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...

Red Algae

Red Algae

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2025

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Published on: December 16, 2016

Microalgal-based industry vs. microplastic pollution: Current knowledge and future perspectives.

Ivana Mendonça¹, Marisa Faria¹, Filipa Rodrigues¹

¹LB3 - Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Madeira, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Portugal.

The Science of the Total Environment

|November 14, 2023

Summary

Microplastics (MPs) in water harm microalgae growth and biomass yield, impacting carbon-negative economy efforts. Bio-based solutions like bacterial cellulose show promise for MP removal, but further research is needed.

Keywords:

Bio-based polymer materials Biomass production Bioremediation Environmental impact Microplastics Wastewater treatment plants

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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Biotechnology

Background:

Microalgae are vital for carbon capture and a carbon-negative economy.
Water quality is crucial for microalgal industries.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants impacting aquatic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on microplastic pollution effects on microalgae.
To highlight the impact of MPs on microalgal biomass yield.
To discuss bio-based solutions for MP removal in microalgal cultivation.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on microplastics and microalgae.
Analysis of impacts on microalgal growth, metabolism, and photosynthesis.
Evaluation of current MP removal technologies and bio-solutions.

Main Results:

Microplastic contamination negatively affects microalgal biomass yield.
Existing MP removal technologies are limited.
Discrepancies exist in understanding MP impacts on microalgae.

Conclusions:

MP pollution poses a threat to microalgae-based industries.
Further research is essential to understand MP-microalgae interactions.
Bio-based materials, like bacterial cellulose, offer a sustainable solution for MP remediation.