Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: prior art search and technology prospecting for degradation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9771/cp.v19i1.65338

Keywords:

Microplastics, Degradation, Aquatic Environmental Pollution.

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic organic polymer particles smaller than 5 mm and found in oceans and large lakes, rivers and ponds. The objective of this study was to identify technologies used for the degradation of microplastics in aquatic environments. The research was carried out in the Web of Science and Scopus article databases and in the Orbit patent platform. The results revealed aspects related to methods and technologies for separation, detection, degradation and mitigation of microplastics in the environment. The degradation technologies were divided into two main mechanisms: “biotic” and “abiotic”. Biotic techniques include the use of enzymes, fungi and bacteria, while abiotic approaches include photocatalysts, thermodegradation, microrobots, among others. It can be concluded that there are several technologies for degrading MPs, but there is also concern about reducing the emission of these particles and separating them from the aquatic environment.

 

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Author Biographies

Silvia Beatriz Beger Uchôa, Federal University of Alagoas

Address to access this CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/2912504494560823 Lattes ID: 2912504494560823 She has a degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (1984); a master's degree in Architecture and Planning from the São Carlos School of Engineering at the University of São Paulo (1989) and a PhD in Chemistry and Biotechnology - Physical-Chemistry concentration area, from the Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology (IQB) at UFAL (2007). She is currently the Technical Director of FORTEC and a visiting professor at the Federal University of Alagoas, having been Vice-coordinator of the Professional Master's Program PROFNIT - UFAL Focal Point until August 2018. She works as a professor in the PROFNIT/UFAL master's program, stationed at the IQB, coordinating the discipline of `Technological Prospecting at a national level. She was coordinator of the Center for Technological Innovation and Special Programs at PROPEP/UFAL, coordinating the Institutional Program for Scholarships for Initiation in Technological Development and Innovation - PIBITI from 2010 to January 2016. She has experience in the areas of Intellectual Property and Innovation, Civil Construction and Electrochemistry, with an emphasis on Construction Materials and Components and Corrosion and Durability Tests. She was vice-coordinator of FORTEC Regional NE from April 2010 to April 2012 and alternate member of the Fiscal Council of ANPROTEC.

Leandro Ramos Damasio, Federal University of Alagoas

Accountant, Public Servant at the Federal University of Alagoas (Ufal) and consultant at Sebrae-AL. He has a degree in Accounting from Ufal, specializing in Auditing and Controllership. He is currently a Master's student in the Postgraduate Program in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer for Innovation.

Lelan Queiroz Siqueira, Federal University of Alagoas

Graduated in Physical Education from Ufal; specialist in Administrative Law; master's student at PROFNIT (Postgraduate Program in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer for Innovation). He has worked professionally in private companies in the area of ​​Physical Education. He is currently a Technician in Educational Affairs at Ufal.

Marlivan Leite, Federal University of Alagoas

LAWYER AND ADVISOR OF THE ALAGOAS OAB, WORKING IN LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONTRACTS, HELPING COMPANIES TO HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE BRAND IN THE MARKET. Since September 2, 2013, she has been a civil servant at the City Hall of Maceió - Alagoas. Graduated in Law (2012) and Bachelor in Tourism (2006) from CESMAC University Center. She has a postgraduate degree in Social Security Law, Constitutional Public Law, Administrative Law and Tax Law. Currently, she is studying for a master's degree in the Postgraduate Program in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer for Innovation.

Tadeu Barbosa de Oliveira, Federal University of Alagoas

Public Accountant at the Federal University of Alagoas (Ufal), Consultant for a commercial company and Fiscal Advisor for a non-profit entity. Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Specialist in Auditing and Financial Management. Currently, he is a Master's student in the Postgraduate Program in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer for Innovation.

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Published

2026-01-01

How to Cite

Uchôa, S. B. B., Damasio, L. R., Siqueira, L. Q., Leite, M., & Oliveira, T. B. de . (2026). Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: prior art search and technology prospecting for degradation. Cadernos De Prospecção, 19(1), 181–193. https://doi.org/10.9771/cp.v19i1.65338

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Prospecções Tecnológicas de Assuntos Específicos

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