{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,28]],"date-time":"2026-05-28T09:05:14Z","timestamp":1779959114905,"version":"3.53.1"},"reference-count":107,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"6","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]],"date-time":"2026-05-27T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1779840000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"name":"Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province Department of Science and Technology","award":["YDZJ202601ZYTS183"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["YDZJ202601ZYTS183"]}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Microorganisms"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are high-molecular-weight biopolymers secreted by microorganisms, showing great potential for bioremediation. However, comprehensive analyses of the development context and quantitative research on the overall trends of EPSs in bioremediation are lacking. This study conducted a systematic bibliometric analysis of microbial EPS research using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Keyword burst and thematic evolution analysis indicate a distinct thematic shift: early research focused on \u201cstructural characterization and adsorption mechanisms of EPSs\u201d, whereas current hotspots highlight interactions with emerging pollutants (e.g., microplastics, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)). EPSs significantly influence the environmental fate and removal efficiency of emerging pollutants through multiple pathways, including physical adsorption, chemical complexation, photocatalytic degradation, and electron transfer. For microplastic remediation, EPSs mediate hetero-aggregation, surface modification, and biodegradation processes. In antibiotic removal, EPSs function through biosorption, biodegradation, and photosensitized degradation. Regarding the mitigation of ARGs, EPSs can either suppress or facilitate their horizontal gene transfer, depending on their composition and environmental conditions. Additionally, as electroactive medium, EPSs play a crucial role in facilitating electron transfer, enhancing nitrogen removal, and promoting heavy metals reduction. This study systematically reviewed the current status and research hotspots of EPSs in bioremediation. However, practical applicability remains constrained by challenges such as low production yield and high costs. Future directions to address these limitations are also outlined to guide further development.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/microorganisms14061218","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,28]],"date-time":"2026-05-28T08:00:36Z","timestamp":1779955236000},"page":"1218","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Hotspots and Progress on Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Bioremediation"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"14","author":[{"given":"Su","family":"Yan","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Shiqi","family":"Xue","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Geography and Ocean Sciences, Yanbian University, Hunchun 133300, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Xinting","family":"Lv","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Jiaxin","family":"Li","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Ningxuan","family":"Ma","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Geography and Ocean Sciences, Yanbian University, Hunchun 133300, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Manning","family":"Wang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Jilin Black Soil Protection Monitoring Center, Jilin 132000, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0006-2291-8594","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Yue","family":"Quan","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Geography and Ocean Sciences, Yanbian University, Hunchun 133300, China"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"107338","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoleng.2024.107338","article-title":"Bioremediation Techniques for Soil Organic Pollution: Mechanisms, Microorganisms, and Technologies\u2014A Comprehensive Review","volume":"207","author":"Mokrani","year":"2024","journal-title":"Ecol. Eng."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1116","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psep.2024.12.050","article-title":"Bioremediation of Pharmaceuticals Waste and Pesticides Using Various Microorganisms: A Review","volume":"194","author":"Bhaskaralingam","year":"2025","journal-title":"Process Saf. Environ. Prot."},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104345","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eti.2025.104345","article-title":"Bioremediation of Soils with Emerging Organic Contaminants Using Immobilized Microorganisms","volume":"40","author":"Ibrahim","year":"2025","journal-title":"Environ. Technol. Innov."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zheng, S., Lou, B., Yang, Z., Ou, D., and Ai, N. (2024). Enhancing Wastewater Treatment with Aerobic Granular Sludge: Impacts of Tetracycline Pressure on Microbial Dynamics and Structural Stability. Microorganisms, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/microorganisms12091913"},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Tonanzi, B., Gallipoli, A., Gianico, A., Annesini, M.C., and Braguglia, C.M. (2021). Insights into the Anaerobic Hydrolysis Process for Extracting Embedded EPS and Metals from Activated Sludge. Microorganisms, 9.","DOI":"10.3390\/microorganisms9122523"},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"118510","DOI":"10.1016\/j.desal.2024.118510","article-title":"Research Hotspots and Application of Algal Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Wastewater Treatment and Resources Recovery","volume":"600","author":"Jia","year":"2025","journal-title":"Desalination"},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"124407","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jenvman.2025.124407","article-title":"Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Sewage Sludge Management: A Call for Methodological Standardization","volume":"376","author":"Mainardis","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Environ. Manag."},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"882","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biotechadv.2010.08.001","article-title":"Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) of Microbial Aggregates in Biological Wastewater Treatment Systems: A Review","volume":"28","author":"Sheng","year":"2010","journal-title":"Biotechnol. Adv."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100194","DOI":"10.1016\/j.microb.2024.100194","article-title":"From Formulation to Function: A Detailed Review of Microbial Biofilms and Their Polymer-Based Extracellular Substances","volume":"5","author":"Saharan","year":"2024","journal-title":"Microbe"},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"108695","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jwpe.2025.108695","article-title":"C\/S Composite Induction on Spatial Structure of EPS from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Subsp. and Their Adsorption Performance of Zn(II)","volume":"78","author":"Tu","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Water Process Eng."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"134759","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2022.134759","article-title":"Bacterial Biofilm and Extracellular Polymeric Substances in the Treatment of Environmental Pollutants: Beyond the Protective Role in Survivability","volume":"379","author":"Mahto","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Clean. Prod."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"137499","DOI":"10.1016\/j.colsurfa.2025.137499","article-title":"Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) by a New Extracellular Polymer-Based Hydrogel PAA\/EPS: Preparation, Properties and Mechanism","volume":"724","author":"Ding","year":"2025","journal-title":"Colloids Surf. Physicochem. Eng. Asp."},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"112307","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jenvman.2021.112307","article-title":"Environmental Applications of Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS): A Review","volume":"287","author":"Siddharth","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Environ. Manag."},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"112205","DOI":"10.1016\/j.corsci.2024.112205","article-title":"Adhesion of Different Types of Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Enhance\/Inhibit Corrosion of EH40 Steel in Simulated Seawater","volume":"235","author":"Fu","year":"2024","journal-title":"Corros. Sci."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"111342","DOI":"10.1016\/j.corsci.2023.111342","article-title":"Influence of Soluble, Loosely Bound and Tightly Bound Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) Produced by Desulfovibrio vulgaris on EH40 Steel Corrosion","volume":"221","author":"Fu","year":"2023","journal-title":"Corros. Sci."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"168877","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2023.168877","article-title":"The Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Chemical-Degradation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Soil: A Review","volume":"912","author":"Wei","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"139746","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2025.139746","article-title":"Interactions of Extracellular Polymeric Substances with Ferrihydrite and Subsequent 17\u03b1-Ethinylestradiol Photodegradation: Impact of Fe(III)-EPS Complexes Formation","volume":"497","author":"Cui","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"109998","DOI":"10.1016\/j.soilbio.2025.109998","article-title":"Increased Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances as a Key Factor in Deep Soil Organic Carbon Accumulation","volume":"212","author":"Feng","year":"2026","journal-title":"Soil Biol. Biochem."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"146826","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2025.146826","article-title":"Research on the Progress of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technologies Based on Bibliometric Analysis","volume":"529","author":"Wang","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Clean. Prod."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"127946","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2021.127946","article-title":"Plastic Pollution in Water Ecosystems: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2000 to 2020","volume":"313","author":"Kasavan","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Clean. Prod."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"109974","DOI":"10.1016\/j.agwat.2025.109974","article-title":"Research Status of Winter Irrigation Based on Bibliometric Analysis","volume":"322","author":"Xiao","year":"2025","journal-title":"Agric. Water Manag."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"117237","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2024.117237","article-title":"Effects of the Co-Exposure of Microplastic\/Nanoplastic and Heavy Metal on Plants: Using CiteSpace, Meta-Analysis, and Machine Learning","volume":"286","author":"Wu","year":"2024","journal-title":"Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"128955","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ufug.2025.128955","article-title":"A Bibliometric Analysis of Nature-Based Solutions and Urban Forests as a Nature-Based Solution Using Web of Science and CiteSpaceTM during Its Foundational Stage","volume":"112","author":"Zhao","year":"2025","journal-title":"Urban For. Urban Green."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"117179","DOI":"10.1016\/j.envres.2023.117179","article-title":"Analysis of Research Status and Trends on Marine Benthic Dinoflagellate Toxins: A Bibliometric Study Based on Web of Science Database and VOSviewer","volume":"238","author":"Tang","year":"2023","journal-title":"Environ. Res."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104307","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijdrr.2024.104307","article-title":"Quantitative and Visual Analysis of Tsunami Warning Research: A Bibliometric Study Using Web of Science and VOSviewer","volume":"103","author":"Huang","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Disaster Risk Reduct."},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Costa, O.Y.A., Raaijmakers, J.M., and Kuramae, E.E. (2018). Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Ecological Function and Impact on Soil Aggregation. Front. Microbiol., 9.","DOI":"10.3389\/fmicb.2018.01636"},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jenvman.2014.05.010","article-title":"Extracellular Polymeric Substances of Bacteria and Their Potential Environmental Applications","volume":"144","author":"More","year":"2014","journal-title":"J. Environ. Manag."},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"147368","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijbiomac.2025.147368","article-title":"Synergistic Enhancement of Chitosan-Diatomite Composite in Microalgae Flocculation: Mechanistic Insights into Extracellular Polymeric Substances-Mediated Harvesting","volume":"325","author":"Li","year":"2025","journal-title":"Int. J. Biol. Macromol."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"101042","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ceja.2026.101042","article-title":"Unveiling the Soil-Altering Synergy: The Dynamic Interplay between Microplastics and Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Agricultural Landscapes","volume":"25","author":"Singh","year":"2026","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J. Adv."},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"51","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2015.02.031","article-title":"Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substance in Determining the High Aggregation Ability of Anammox Sludge","volume":"75","author":"Hou","year":"2015","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1225","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biotechadv.2016.08.004","article-title":"Overview of Microalgal Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) and Their Applications","volume":"34","author":"Xiao","year":"2016","journal-title":"Biotechnol. Adv."},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3260","DOI":"10.1021\/acs.est.6b05761","article-title":"Stratification of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) for Aggregated Anammox Microorganisms","volume":"51","author":"Jia","year":"2017","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Technol."},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Decho, A.W., and Gutierrez, T. (2017). Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPSs) in Ocean Systems. Front. Microbiol., 8.","DOI":"10.3389\/fmicb.2017.00922"},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"740","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2014.10.046","article-title":"Spectroscopic Characterization of Extracellular Polymeric Substances from a Mixed Culture Dominated by Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria","volume":"68","author":"Yin","year":"2015","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"4505","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2010.06.024","article-title":"Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Bioflocculation of Activated Sludge Microorganisms under Glucose-Controlled Conditions","volume":"44","author":"Badireddy","year":"2010","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"396","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2017.04.042","article-title":"Exploiting Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) Controlling Strategies for Performance Enhancement of Biological Wastewater Treatments: An Overview","volume":"180","author":"Shi","year":"2017","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"774","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jes.2022.03.037","article-title":"Hotspots and Trends of Biological Water Treatment Based on Bibliometric Review and Patents Analysis","volume":"125","author":"Jin","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Environ. Sci."},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"122691","DOI":"10.1016\/j.envpol.2023.122691","article-title":"Impacts of Extracellular Polymeric Substances on the Behaviors of Micro\/Nanoplastics in the Water Environment","volume":"338","author":"Ge","year":"2023","journal-title":"Environ. Pollut."},{"key":"ref_39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"135079","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2022.135079","article-title":"Highly Effective Removal of Microplastics by Microalgae Scenedesmus abundans","volume":"435","author":"Cheng","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"144759","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2025.144759","article-title":"Soluble Extracellular Polymeric Substances and Microplastics: Exposure-Response and Circular Reuse for Removal","volume":"393","author":"Rodrigues","year":"2025","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"137656","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2022.137656","article-title":"Mechanisms of Interaction between Polystyrene Nanoplastics and Extracellular Polymeric Substances in the Activated Sludge Cultivated by Different Carbon Sources","volume":"314","author":"Wang","year":"2023","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"346","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biortech.2018.10.054","article-title":"Biosorption Behavior and Mechanism of Sulfonamide Antibiotics in Aqueous Solution on Extracellular Polymeric Substances Extracted from Klebsiella Sp. J1","volume":"272","author":"Pi","year":"2019","journal-title":"Bioresour. Technol."},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"132510","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2021.132510","article-title":"Tetracycline Removal in Granulation: Influence of Extracellular Polymers Substances, Structure, and Metabolic Function of Microbial Community","volume":"288","author":"Yan","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"140925","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2025.140925","article-title":"Mechanistic Insights into the Enhancement of Azithromycin Biodegradation by Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Roles of Metabolic Activity, Electron Transfer, and Reactive Oxygen Species","volume":"501","author":"Zhou","year":"2026","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"119995","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jece.2025.119995","article-title":"Photosensitized Degradation of Tetracycline by Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Biochemical Effluent: Mechanistic Insights from Spectroscopy","volume":"13","author":"Cao","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Environ. Chem. Eng."},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"135826","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2022.135826","article-title":"The Binding Effect and Photooxidation on Oxytetracycline with Algal Extracellular Polymeric Substances and Natural Organic Matter","volume":"307","author":"Wang","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"172299","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2025.172299","article-title":"Removal and Response Mechanisms of Sulfamethoxazole in Aerobic Granular Sludge and Its Molecular Interactions with Extracellular Polymeric Substances","volume":"528","author":"Cheng","year":"2026","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."},{"key":"ref_48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"115257","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jece.2024.115257","article-title":"Comprehensive Insights into the Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances of Geobacter in the Horizontal Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes","volume":"13","author":"Liu","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Environ. Chem. Eng."},{"key":"ref_49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"135512","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2024.135512","article-title":"Mechanisms Underlying the Detrimental Impact of Micro(Nano)Plastics on the Stability of Aerobic Granular Sludge: Interactions between Micro(Nano)Plastics and Extracellular Polymeric Substances","volume":"478","author":"Huang","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_50","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"137225","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2022.137225","article-title":"Roles of Extracellular Polymeric Substances on Microcystis aeruginosa Exposed to Different Sizes of Polystyrene Microplastics","volume":"312","author":"Song","year":"2023","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"177127","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2024.177127","article-title":"Perfluorobutanoic Acid Weakens the Heterogeneous Aggregation of Microplastics and Microalgae: Perspective from Physicochemical Properties, Extracellular Polymeric Substances Secretion and DLVO Theory","volume":"955","author":"Li","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"141469","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2020.141469","article-title":"Nano- and Microplastics Trigger Secretion of Protein-Rich Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Phytoplankton","volume":"748","author":"Shiu","year":"2020","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"131814","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2021.131814","article-title":"Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Green Alga Facilitate Microplastic Deposition","volume":"286","author":"Gopalakrishnan","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_54","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"116205","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2020.116205","article-title":"Microplastics as an Emerging Anthropogenic Vector of Trace Metals in Freshwater: Significance of Biofilms and Comparison with Natural Substrates","volume":"184","author":"Guan","year":"2020","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_55","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"126412","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2020.126412","article-title":"Effects of Exposure of Polyethylene Microplastics to Air, Water and Soil on Their Adsorption Behaviors for Copper and Tetracycline","volume":"404","author":"Wang","year":"2021","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."},{"key":"ref_56","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"8877","DOI":"10.1021\/acs.est.1c02012","article-title":"Biofilms Enhance the Adsorption of Toxic Contaminants on Plastic Microfibers under Environmentally Relevant Conditions","volume":"55","author":"Bhagwat","year":"2021","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Technol."},{"key":"ref_57","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Faszczewska, A., Piotrowska-Niczyporuk, A., and Karpi\u0144ska, J. (2026). Biodegradation of High-Density Polyethylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, and Polystyrene Microplastics by Bacteria, Fungi and Algae: A Polymer-Specific Review. J. Environ. Sci.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jes.2026.01.087"},{"key":"ref_58","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"175227","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2024.175227","article-title":"The Role of Algae in Regulating the Fate of Microplastics: A Review for Processes, Mechanisms, and Influencing Factors","volume":"949","author":"Jiang","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_59","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e07676","DOI":"10.1016\/j.heliyon.2021.e07676","article-title":"Interactions between Polyethylene and Polypropylene Microplastics and Spirulina Sp. Microalgae in Aquatic Systems","volume":"7","author":"Hadiyanto","year":"2021","journal-title":"Heliyon"},{"key":"ref_60","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"141959","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2020.141959","article-title":"Critical Evaluation of Biodegradation Studies on Synthetic Plastics through a Systematic Literature Review","volume":"752","author":"Bajt","year":"2021","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_61","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100873","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scp.2022.100873","article-title":"Microbial Degradation of Polystyrene Microplastics by a Novel Isolated Bacterium in Aquatic Ecosystem","volume":"30","author":"Yuan","year":"2022","journal-title":"Sustain. Chem. Pharm."},{"key":"ref_62","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"135931","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2019.135931","article-title":"Biodegradation of Polyethylene Microplastic Particles by the Fungus Aspergillus flavus from the Guts of Wax Moth Galleria mellonella","volume":"704","author":"Zhang","year":"2020","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_63","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"33508","DOI":"10.1007\/s11356-018-3079-7","article-title":"Efficient Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene by Cyanobacteria Isolated from Sub-merged Polyethylene Surface in Domestic Sewage Water","volume":"25","author":"Sarmah","year":"2018","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res."},{"key":"ref_64","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"144719","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2020.144719","article-title":"Degradation of Conventional Plastic Wastes in the Environment: A Review on Current Status of Knowledge and Future Perspectives of Disposal","volume":"771","author":"Ali","year":"2021","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_65","first-page":"100777","article-title":"Bioremediation of Microplastic Pollution: A Systematic Review on Mechanism, Analytical Methods, Innovations, and Omics Approaches","volume":"19","author":"Khurana","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater. Adv."},{"key":"ref_66","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"120016","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2026.120016","article-title":"Microplastic Biodegradation and Environmental Safety: From Microbial Mechanisms to Engineered Systems and Circular Bio-Based Implementation","volume":"313","author":"Jiao","year":"2026","journal-title":"Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf."},{"key":"ref_67","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"164212","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2025.164212","article-title":"Insights into Norfloxacin Biodegradation and the Fate of Antibiotics Resistance Genes Associated with Sulfur-Driven Autotrophic Denitrification","volume":"516","author":"Qian","year":"2025","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."},{"key":"ref_68","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"5298","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2013.06.009","article-title":"Roles of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in the Migration and Removal of Sulfamethazine in Activated Sludge System","volume":"47","author":"Xu","year":"2013","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_69","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"138142","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2025.138142","article-title":"A Metabolic Enzyme-Photosynthetic Machinery Involved in the Co-Metabolism of Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin by Chlorella pyrenoidosa","volume":"492","author":"Wu","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_70","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"130815","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2021.130815","article-title":"Deciphering the Response of Anammox Process to Heavy Metal and Antibiotic Stress: Arsenic Enhances the Permeability of Extracellular Polymeric Substance and Aggravates the Inhibition of Sulfamethoxazole","volume":"426","author":"Ma","year":"2021","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."},{"key":"ref_71","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100212","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ese.2022.100212","article-title":"Extracellular Polymeric Substances\u2014Antibiotics Interaction in Activated Sludge: A Review","volume":"13","author":"Zhao","year":"2023","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Ecotechnol."},{"key":"ref_72","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"119326","DOI":"10.1016\/j.envres.2024.119326","article-title":"Insights into the Removal of Antibiotics from Livestock and Aquaculture Wastewater by Algae-Bacteria Symbiosis Systems","volume":"257","author":"Xiao","year":"2024","journal-title":"Environ. Res."},{"key":"ref_73","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"176561","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2024.176561","article-title":"Co-Metabolism of Microorganisms: A Study Revealing the Mechanism of Antibiotic Removal, Progress of Biodegradation Transformation Pathways","volume":"954","author":"Zhao","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_74","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"149907","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2021.149907","article-title":"Carbon Source Type Can Affect Tetracycline Removal by Pseudomonas sp. TC952 through Regulation of Extracellular Polymeric Substances Composition and Production","volume":"804","author":"Tan","year":"2022","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_75","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"124358","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biortech.2020.124358","article-title":"Interaction and Removal of Oxytetracycline with Aerobic Granular Sludge","volume":"320","author":"He","year":"2021","journal-title":"Bioresour. Technol."},{"key":"ref_76","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"140822","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2023.140822","article-title":"Antibiotic Occurrence, Environmental Risks, and Their Removal from Aquatic Environments Using Microalgae: Advances and Future Perspectives","volume":"349","author":"Fayaz","year":"2024","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_77","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"114527","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jenvman.2022.114527","article-title":"Enhanced Production of Microalgae-Originated Photosensitizer by Integrating Photosynthetic Electrons Extraction and Antibiotic Induction towards Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotic: A Novel Complementary Treatment Process for Antibiotic Removal from Effluent of Conventional Biological Wastewater Treatment","volume":"308","author":"Bai","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Environ. Manag."},{"key":"ref_78","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"128155","DOI":"10.1016\/j.seppur.2024.128155","article-title":"Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS)-Involved Photodegradation of Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate (SDBS) via Photo-Generated Reactive Intermediates (RIs)","volume":"351","author":"Li","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sep. Purif. Technol."},{"key":"ref_79","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"146041","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2025.146041","article-title":"Natural Bio-Photosensitizers in Sludge: Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS)-Driven Persulfate Activation for Sustainable Antibiotic Degradation","volume":"519","author":"He","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Clean. Prod."},{"key":"ref_80","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"140275","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2025.140275","article-title":"Exploration of Extracellular Polymeric Substances Changes and Related Antibiotic Resistance Gene Migration and Transformation Patterns in Microalgae under Lead Stress and Gibberellin Stimulation","volume":"499","author":"Xu","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_81","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"123285","DOI":"10.1016\/j.envpol.2023.123285","article-title":"Insights into the Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes","volume":"343","author":"Li","year":"2024","journal-title":"Environ. Pollut."},{"key":"ref_82","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"124428","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2020.124428","article-title":"Quantifying the Occurrence and Transformation Potential of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS)-Associated Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Activated Sludge","volume":"408","author":"Wang","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_83","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"137206","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2025.137206","article-title":"Overlooked Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Antibiotic-Resistance Gene Transfer within Microalgae-Bacteria System","volume":"488","author":"Li","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_84","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"143284","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2024.143284","article-title":"The Effect of Extracellular Polymeric Substances on the Distribution and Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Treating Antibiotic Wastewater via Microbial Electrolysis Cells","volume":"364","author":"Liu","year":"2024","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"ref_85","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"135181","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2024.135181","article-title":"Mechanisms of Conjugative Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Induced by Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Insights into Molecular Diversities and Electron Transfer Properties","volume":"476","author":"Wang","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_86","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"128634","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2022.128634","article-title":"Trace Antibiotics Increase the Risk of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Transmission by Regulating the Biofilm Extracellular Polymeric Substances and Microbial Community in the Sewer","volume":"432","author":"Xin","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_87","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"135902","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2024.135902","article-title":"Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Alleviated Horizontal Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Soil: The Important Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances","volume":"480","author":"Li","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_88","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"115116","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jece.2024.115116","article-title":"Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Sulfamethoxazole on the Sediments in Sewage Pipe: Extracellular Polymeric Substance, Microbial Communities, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes","volume":"13","author":"Tao","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Environ. Chem. Eng."},{"key":"ref_89","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"132675","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2023.132675","article-title":"Different Fates of Extracellular and Intracellular Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Flocs, Granular and Biofilm Nitrification Systems under the Stress of Acetaminophen","volume":"461","author":"Cui","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_90","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"128372","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biortech.2022.128372","article-title":"Characterization of Magnetite Assisted Anammox Granules Based on In-Depth Analysis of Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS)","volume":"369","author":"Dsane","year":"2023","journal-title":"Bioresour. Technol."},{"key":"ref_91","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"165741","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2025.165741","article-title":"Unveiling the Hidden Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Microalgae-Bacteria Systems for Enhanced Electron Transfer","volume":"520","author":"Li","year":"2025","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."},{"key":"ref_92","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"125077","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2020.125077","article-title":"Electrochemical Behavior of Biochar and Its Effects on Microbial Nitrate Reduction: Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Extracellular Electron Transfer","volume":"395","author":"Sathishkumar","year":"2020","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."},{"key":"ref_93","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"149884","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2021.149884","article-title":"Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation (Anammox) Promoted by Pyrogenic Biochar: Deciphering the Interaction with Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS)","volume":"802","author":"Xu","year":"2022","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_94","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"119995","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2023.119995","article-title":"Reason for the Increased Electroactivity of Extracellular Polymeric Substances with Electrical Stimulation: Structural Change of \u03b1-Helix Peptide of Protein","volume":"238","author":"Jiang","year":"2023","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_95","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"150926","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2021.150926","article-title":"Weak Electrical Stimulation on Biological Denitrification: Insights from the Denitrifying Enzymes","volume":"806","author":"Dong","year":"2022","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_96","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"123375","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2025.123375","article-title":"Unlocking Interfacial Electron Transfer in Biophotoelectrochemical Processes: Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Aquatic Environments","volume":"278","author":"Hu","year":"2025","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_97","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"175222","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2024.175222","article-title":"Multi-Dimensional Perspectives into the Pervasive Role of Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Electron Transport Processes","volume":"949","author":"Li","year":"2024","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_98","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"156176","DOI":"10.1016\/j.scitotenv.2022.156176","article-title":"Deciphering the Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in the Regulation of Microbial Extracellular Electron Transfer under Low Concentrations of Tetracycline Exposure: Insights from Transcriptomic Analysis","volume":"838","author":"Zhu","year":"2022","journal-title":"Sci. Total Environ."},{"key":"ref_99","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"126522","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biortech.2021.126522","article-title":"Use of Extracellular Polymeric Substances as Natural Redox Mediators to Enhance Denitrification Performance by Accelerating Electron Transfer and Carbon Source Metabolism","volume":"345","author":"Wang","year":"2022","journal-title":"Bioresour. Technol."},{"key":"ref_100","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"108069","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jece.2022.108069","article-title":"Effect of Extracellular Polymeric Substances Removal and Re-Addition on the Denitrification Performance of Activated Sludge: Carbon Source Metabolism, Electron Transfer and Enzyme Activity","volume":"10","author":"Wang","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Environ. Chem. Eng."},{"key":"ref_101","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"641","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biortech.2016.08.084","article-title":"Rapid Start-up of the Anammox Process: Effects of Five Different Sludge Extracellular Polymeric Substances on the Activity of Anammox Bacteria","volume":"220","author":"Guo","year":"2016","journal-title":"Bioresour. Technol."},{"key":"ref_102","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"128822","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2022.128822","article-title":"Bioreduction Performance of Cr(VI) by Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) and the Overlooked Role of Tryptophan","volume":"433","author":"Luo","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"ref_103","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"6185","DOI":"10.1021\/acs.est.0c01186","article-title":"Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Microbial Reduction of Arsenate to Arsenite by Escherichia Coli and Bacillus Subtilis","volume":"54","author":"Zhou","year":"2020","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Technol."},{"key":"ref_104","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Naveed, S., Han, R., Yang, Z., Zheng, Y., Xu, Y., Guo, X., and Li, G. (2025). Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances as Biogeobatteries: Mechanisms and Geochemical Controls of Redox-Sensitive Elements. J. Environ. Sci.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jes.2025.12.042"},{"key":"ref_105","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"106163","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jece.2021.106163","article-title":"The Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in the Reduction of Cr(VI) by Pannonibacter phragmitetus BB","volume":"9","author":"Wang","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Environ. Chem. Eng."},{"key":"ref_106","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"117706","DOI":"10.1016\/j.watres.2021.117706","article-title":"Recovery of Extracellular Biopolymers from Conventional Activated Sludge: Potential, Characteristics and Limitation","volume":"205","author":"Li","year":"2021","journal-title":"Water Res."},{"key":"ref_107","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"149074","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cej.2024.149074","article-title":"Mixed Culture Resource Recovery from Industrial Waste Glycerin Pitch: Microbial Analysis and Production of Bio-Flocculants Extracellular Polymeric Substances","volume":"482","author":"Ng","year":"2024","journal-title":"Chem. Eng. J."}],"container-title":["Microorganisms"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2607\/14\/6\/1218\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,28]],"date-time":"2026-05-28T08:23:52Z","timestamp":1779956632000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2607\/14\/6\/1218"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]]},"references-count":107,"journal-issue":{"issue":"6","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,6]]}},"alternative-id":["microorganisms14061218"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/microorganisms14061218","relation":{},"ISSN":["2076-2607"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2076-2607","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]]}}}