Surface properties of microalgal biomass and microplastics : exploring point of zero-charge and contact angle

Šunta, Urška (author), Matijaković Mlinarić, Nives (author), Šariri, Sara (author), Griessler Bulc, Tjaša (author), Bavcon Kralj, Mojca (author)

The surface properties of microalgal biomass and microplastics, focusing on the point of zero charge (PZC) and water contact angle (CA), were investigated. Microalgae, particularly Chlorella vulgaris and mixed microalgal consortia, were cultivated and analyzed for their surface characteristics. Oven-dried and freeze-dried samples exhibited varying degrees of hydrophilicity, with freeze-dried microalgal consortia exhibiting more hydrophilic surface. The PZC values indicated a higher density of negative charges on the surface of C. vulgaris compared to the microalgal consortia biomass. Microplastics (MPs)from agricultural mulch films, including biodegradable and non-degradable types, were also examined. Results showed that naturally aged MPs exhibited more hydrophilic surfaces compared to their pristine counterparts. The PZC values of microplastics varied, with some showing neutral to slightly negative charges at environmental pH levels. The findings underscore the importance of surface characterization in understanding the sorption mechanisms of contaminants.

• Language: English
• Keywords: microplastics, microalgal biomass, surface properties, point of zero-charge, water contact angle, sorption
• Work type: Scientific work
• Typology: 1.08 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution
• Organization: ZF - Faculty of Health Sciences
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: Str. 24-31
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-168398
• UDC: 502.131.1
• DOI: 10.55295/PSL.12.2025.II2
• COBISS.SI-ID: 232274435
• Publication date in RUL: 11.04.2025

Record is a part of a monograph

• Title: Socratic Lectures : 12th international symposium, Ljubljana, January 11, 2025
• Editors: Veronika Kralj-Iglič, Anna Romolo, Yelena Istileulova
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Publisher: University of Ljubljana Press
• Year: 2025
• ISBN: 978-961-297-551-7
• COBISS.SI-ID: 228834307

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P3-0388-2022
• Name: Mehanizmi varovanja zdravja

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: J2-4427-2022
• Name: Algne tehnologije za zelene produkte - ALGreen