How Can Blue-Green Algae Remove Plastics from Our Water?
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10Science
What it is
This scientific article explains how researchers used genetic engineering to modify cyanobacteria to better capture microplastics from water.
Students read how the engineered cells clumped with microplastics, lowered nitrate in wastewater, and how the collected material was reused to make new plastic films.
Teaching tips
Prerequisites:
Ensure students are familiar with the basic concept of plastic pollution and litter, and consider introducing the term microplastics.
Preparation:
A teacher's name, email, and school information are needed to access the Teacher's Key.
Note that beer is mentioned briefly in the short video, "TIL: From Fleece Jackets to Your Food: The Scary Journey of Microplastics"
Extensions:
Have students do a wardrobe audit to see what percentage of their clothing is made of plastic. Students can create graphs or charts to accompany tips for minimizing microplastics produced by washing clothing.
Challenge students to design and evaluate their own method for keeping microplastics out of local waterways, weighing criteria such as cost, effectiveness, and waste produced.
Related Resources:
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
Use this resource to connect to SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 14, Life Below Water.
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