The potential of using microalgae for microplastic degradation in aquatic ecosystem

Microplastic pollution has concomitantly occurred with the growth of the world's human population in the last few decades. Uncontrolled plastic use has posed serious ecological, health, and social consequences in which it has become a universal concern due to its small size and as a source of hazardous chemicals. Even though the presence, impacts, and interactions of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems have recently been detected, the fate of microplastics is still yet to be fully understood. With the current state of our knowledge, microalgal roles in promoting the breakdown of microplastic are indeed low. New systems with extensive applications that use microalgae have been widely studied for various pollutants, but not on microplastic. In this context, the assessment of microalgae response to exposure to microplastic in terms of its potential, colonies, optimization, mechanism, and chemical reaction are evaluated and examined comprehensively, with a focus on the microalgae methods of action and prospective removal strategies. The present paper reviews the impacts of microplastics and the trends and potential of microalgae degradation in aquatic ecosystems, to provide guidance and updates on future research priorities in this area of study.