Algae System Turns Microplastic Pollution Into Valuable Resources

Scientists have developed an algae-based system that removes microplastics from water while helping treat wastewater and creating useful new materials.

“This platform provides a viable and sustainable pathway to address microplastic pollution by creating value through plastic upcycling, wastewater nutrient removal, and CO₂-based bioproduction,” said Professor Susie Y. Dai, co-author of the study and researcher at Texas A&M University, USA.

The system achieved a microplastic removal efficiency of 91.4% within one hour by using engineered cyanobacteria with enhanced surface hydrophobicity that rapidly bind to plastic particles. Researchers demonstrated that the captured microplastics could be upcycled into durable composite materials, while the algae simultaneously removed nutrients from wastewater and produced valuable biomass. Tests showed the approach worked across multiple plastic types, including polystyrene, polyethylene and PET, and life-cycle analysis indicated the process could potentially achieve net negative carbon emissions when powered by renewable energy, offering a practical route to tackling microplastic pollution while supporting a circular economy.