International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Prateek Srivastava, Abhishek Kumar Sharma, Prishita Singh, Saleha Naz
Abstract: Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a critical environmental issue, with particles originating from consumer products and plastic degradation now pervasive in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems. MPs pose ecological risks by disrupting feeding, growth, and reproduction in aquatic organisms and potentially entering human food chains. Traditional mitigation strategies remain insufficient, prompting exploration of biological alternatives. Diatoms, photosynthetic microalgae with silica frustules, show strong potential for MP remediation. Through biofilm formation, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion, and adhesion, diatoms facilitate MP aggregation, sedimentation, and partial degradation. Their interactions with bacteria further enhance plastic breakdown, while large-scale cultivation enables integration into wastewater treatment and hybrid remediation systems. Despite limitations such as incomplete degradation and environmental dependence, diatoms represent an eco-friendly, scalable, and sustainable strategy. Advances in engineered consortia, genetic modification, and field validation may establish diatoms as a viable biotechnological tool for mitigating microplastic pollution
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17312397
