Biodegradable and Nondegradable Microplastics Cause Distinct Impacts on the Microbial Vanadate Removal
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The microplastics (MPs) were found ubiquitous and demonstrated distinct degradability in the environment. This study investigated the impact of biodegradable and non-degradable MPs on the microbial vanadate [V(V)] removal. Polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were separately amended into bioreactors containing vanadate. Although pristine MPs exhibited comparable V(V) adsorption capacities, substantial increase was observed by the MPs after microbial vanadate removal exposure experiment. Characterization of MPs revealed that surface morphology (e.g., groove) and functional groups (e.g., -C-O-) contributed to such performance. Biodegradable MPs significantly improved the vanadate removal efficiencies. Microorganisms such as Hydrogenophaga and Lentimicrobium were substantially enriched in reactors amended with MPs. Metagenomics results identified genes that are putatively affiliated with V(V) reduction and PHA as well as PLA MPs depolymerization. Microorganisms including Comamonas and Rhodococcus could break down PHA and PLA MPs. The monomer or intermediates were then uptaken by other microorganisms, contributing to the increased vanadate removal. In addition to the well-studied microbial V(V) reduction process (e.g., nitrite/nitrate reductase), thioredoxin oxidation and sulfite reductase could potentially couple the V(V) reduction. Because biodegradable and non-degradable MPs altered the transformation and migration of vanadate, greater attention should be given to management of the plastic wastes.
Source: ACS ES&T Water
Institution: China University of Geosciences (Beijing)
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4408358932