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Algae is a 'little vacuum' for microplastics. Midwest scientists think it could clean up the problem
- A bioengineered algae strain can remove microplastics from water, according to a study in Nature Communications.
- Researchers propose using the algae in a closed wastewater system to prevent ecological release.
- The study reports removal of both large and small microplastics in solution tests.
- Experts caution that scaling up the process and growing algae in large quantities remains a hurdle.
- Researchers aim to upcycle collected plastics into a bioplastic or other product.
- Microplastics are widespread and linked to health concerns, prompting ongoing study.
- The research team includes Susie Y. Dai of the University of Missouri and collaborators at Texas A&M.
- Nature Communications published the study detailing the algae-microplastics interaction.
- Experts emphasize reducing plastic use remains essential even with new cleanup methods.
- The KCUR-Harvest partnership frames the story within Midwest environmental reporting.
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