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Updated: May 12, 2026

Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity
Published on: March 11, 2015
Microplastics-biofilm interactions in biofilm-based wastewater treatment processes: A review
Yaning Huang1, Tanqiu Hu1, Bincheng Lin1
1Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics, pervasive contaminants from plastic, present significant challenges to wastewater treatment processes. This review critically examines the interactions between microplastics and biofilm-based treatment technologies, specifically focusing on the concepts of "biofilm on microplastics" and "microplastics in biofilm". It discusses the implications of these interactions in contaminant removal and process performance. Advanced characterization techniques, including morphological characterization, chemical composition analysis, and bio-information analysis, are assessed to elucidate the complex interplay between microplastics and biofilms within biofilters, biological aerated filters (BAFs), rotating biological contactors (RBCs), and moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs). This review synthesizes current research findings, highlighting that microplastics can either hinder or enhance the treatment processes, contingent on their concentration, physicochemical properties, and the specific biofilm technology employed. The insights gained from this review are essential for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of microplastics and for optimizing the design and operation of wastewater treatment.
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