Microalgal-based biopolymer for nano- and microplastic removal: a possible biosolution for wastewater treatment

Cunha, César; Silva, Laura; Paulo, Jorge; Faria, Marisa; Nogueira, Natacha; Cordeiro, Nereida

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114385

Cited by 105 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…A microalgal-based biopolymer was used to treat water polluted by nano- and microplastics. The results showed that the microalgal-based biopolymer could provide a biocompatible solution for the microplastics’ polluted water (Cunha et al 2020 ). Another study suggested that biopolymers could destroy the stability of latex microplastics particles more effectively than aluminum chloride in some cases, and form flocs with a more compact structure thus increasing the sedimentation rate (Ramirez et al 2016 ).…”

Section: Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biopolymer-based flocculants: a review of recent technologies

Jiang

Li²,

Tang

et al. 2021

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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Biopolymer-based flocculants have become a potential substitute for inorganic coagulants and synthetic organic flocculants due to their wide natural reserves, environmental friendliness, easy natural degradation, and high material safety. In recent years, with more and more attention to clean technologies, a lot of researches on the modification and application of biopolymer-based flocculants have been carried out. The present paper reviews the latest important information about the base materials of biopolymer-based flocculants, including chitosan, starch, cellulose, and lignin etc. This review also highlights the various modification methods of these base materials according to reaction types in detail. Via the recent researches, the flocculation mechanisms of biopolymer-based flocculants, such as adsorption, bridging, charge neutralization, net trapping, and sweeping, as well as, some other special mechanisms are comprehensively summarized. This paper also focuses on the water treatment conditions, the removal efficiency, and advantages of biopolymer-based flocculants in applications. Further, this review sheds light on the future perspectives of biopolymer-based flocculants, which may make progress in the sources of base materials, modification processes, multi-function, and deepening application researches. We believe that this review can guide the further researches and developments of biopolymer-based flocculants in the future, to develop them with a higher efficiency, a lower cost, more safety, and multi-function for more diversified applications.

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Section: Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biopolymer-based flocculants: a review of recent technologies

Jiang

Li²,

Tang

et al. 2021

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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“…Thickening/lubrication agent [8] Recently, due to the great worldwide concern, researchers have been looking for environmentally friendly solutions for the bioremediation of different wastewater contaminants. In this context, Cunha et al [79] evaluated extracellular polymeric substances from Cyanothece sp. for removing nano and microplastics from water.…”

Section: Potential Application Referencementioning

confidence: 99%

Microalgae Polysaccharides: An Overview of Production, Characterization, and Potential Applications

et al. 2021

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Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of synthesizing several biocompounds, including polysaccharides with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. At the same time that the accumulation of biomolecules occurs, microalgae can use wastewater and gaseous effluents for their growth, mitigating these pollutants. The increase in the production of polysaccharides by microalgae can be achieved mainly through nutritional limitations, stressful conditions, and/or adverse conditions. These compounds are of commercial interest due to their biological and rheological properties, which allow their application in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and foods. Thus, to increase the productivity and competitiveness of microalgal polysaccharides with commercial hydrocolloids, the cultivation parameters and extraction/purification processes have been optimized. In this context, this review addresses an overview of the production, characterization, and potential applications of polysaccharides obtained by microalgae and cyanobacteria. Moreover, the main opportunities and challenges in relation to obtaining these compounds are highlighted.

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“…Besides, the recent study has highlighted exopolysaccharides potentials as bio flocculant in freshwater Cyanothece sp. for the bioremediation of nano and microplastics from the waste streams and as a potential replacement of synthetic flocculants (Cunha et al, 2020). Many biochemical and rheological studies on exopolysaccharides can be expanded for mechanical and food engineering applications as drag-reducers in ships and thickening and gelling agents to increase food viscosity (Xiao and Zheng, 2016).…”

Section: Exopolysaccharidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Valorization of Wastewater Resources Into Biofuel and Value-Added Products Using Microalgal System

et al. 2021

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Wastewater is not a liability, instead considered as a resource for microbial fermentation and value-added products. Most of the wastewater contains various nutrients like nitrates and phosphates apart from the organic constituents that favor microbial growth. Microalgae are unicellular aquatic organisms and are widely used for wastewater treatment. Various cultivation methods such as open, closed, and integrated have been reported for microalgal cultivation to treat wastewater and resource recovery simultaneously. Microalgal growth is affected by various factors such as sunlight, temperature, pH, and nutrients that affect the growth rate of microalgae. Microalgae can consume urea, phosphates, and metals such as magnesium, zinc, lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc. for their growth and reduces the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The microalgal biomass produced during the wastewater treatment can be further used to produce carbon-neutral products such as biofuel, feed, bio-fertilizer, bioplastic, and exopolysaccharides. Integration of wastewater treatment with microalgal bio-refinery not only solves the wastewater treatment problem but also generates revenue and supports a sustainable and circular bio-economy. The present review will highlight the current and advanced methods used to integrate microalgae for the complete reclamation of nutrients from industrial wastewater sources and their utilization for value-added compound production. Furthermore, pertaining challenges are briefly discussed along with the techno-economic analysis of current pilot-scale projects worldwide.

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Microalgal-based biopolymer for nano- and microplastic removal: a possible biosolution for wastewater treatment

Cited by 105 publications

References 70 publications

Biopolymer-based flocculants: a review of recent technologies

Biopolymer-based flocculants: a review of recent technologies

Microalgae Polysaccharides: An Overview of Production, Characterization, and Potential Applications

Valorization of Wastewater Resources Into Biofuel and Value-Added Products Using Microalgal System

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