Microalgae-Based Bioremediation of Microplastic-Contaminated Industrial Wastewater: Mechanisms and Challenges

Yasmine Khalki; Selma Siham El Khayat; Ghita Radi Benjelloun; Alla Silkina; Bouchaib Bahlaouan; Nadia Boutaleb

doi:10.63095/NBSEH.26.441608

Authors

Yasmine Khalki Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorization, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
Selma Siham El Khayat Hassan II University of Casablanca , Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorization, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco ; Nephrology Department, UHC Ibn Rochd, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
Ghita Radi Benjelloun Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorization, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
Alla Silkina Algal Research Group, Department of Biosciences, Swansea University (https://ror.org/053fq8t95), Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA28PP, United Kingdom
Bouchaib Bahlaouan Higher Institutes of Nursing and Health Technical Professions (ISPITS) (https://ror.org/01wcdkp35) , Laboratory of Care, Health and Sustainable Development 2S2D, Casablanca 22500, Morocco
Nadia Boutaleb Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorization, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.26.441608

Keywords:

Microplastic removal, Microalgae, Wastewater treatment, Biodegradation

Abstract

Microalgae-based bioremediation presents a promising eco-friendly approach for removing microplastics (MPs) from industrial effluents. This review summarizes the current understanding on this subject. The article begins by describing the characteristics and origins of MPs in industrial discharges. It then reviews documented mechanisms of microalgae–MP interactions, including adsorption/biosorption, bioflocculation, accumulation, and partial degradation. Important environmental and operational factors that influence treatment efficiency—such as MP size and charge, algal species, and culture conditions—are analysed. Additionally, the article discusses analytical methods necessary for MP characterization and monitoring performance. Microalgae-based methods are contrasted with traditional physical and chemical processes, highlighting the potential value of the processed biomass (such as bioenergy and biofertilizers) to showcase a circular bioeconomy approach. The review concludes by pinpointing key research gaps and offering recommendations for standardizing experimental procedures and encouraging the adoption of microalgal systems within sustainable wastewater treatment strategies.

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