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Comparative ecotoxicity of a reduced graphene–polypropylene nanocomposite and its components to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber (Crustacea)
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Scientists tested tiny plastic particles made from a new type of plastic mixed with graphene (a super-thin carbon material) to see how toxic they are to small soil creatures. They found that while the graphene-plastic mix was less harmful than pure graphene alone, it was still more toxic than regular plastic particles. This research matters because these new "super plastics" are becoming more common in products, but we don't yet know how safe they are when they break down into microplastics in our environment.
Graphene-enhanced polymer composites are attracting interest due to the unique properties of graphene-related nanomaterials. However, their environmental impact, especially as sources of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), remains underexplored compared to conventional polymers. Therefore, comprehensive environmental risk assessments of advanced polymer nanocomposites are needed. This study assessed the toxic potential of reduced graphene oxide-enhanced polypropylene (PP-rGO) using a multi-biomarker approach, focusing on how rGO alters the ecotoxicological profile of polypropylene (PP). Terrestrial isopods were exposed for 14 days to soil mixed with PP and PP-rGO MNPs at 1% and 10% w/w, and to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) alone at 0.1% and 1% w/w. The lowest tested concentrations represent environmentally relevant levels of MNPs in soil, while the highest concentrations reflect a worst-case scenario. Organism-level toxicity was evaluated by monitoring survival, body weight change, and moulting frequency. Sublethal stress responses were evaluated in isolated isopod haemolymph using cellular and biochemical biomarkers, including haemocyte counts, haemocyte viability, and phenoloxidase-like activity. In addition, electron transport system activity, glutathione S-transferase activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity were assessed in whole-animal homogenates. At 1%, PP-rGO triggered sublethal stress without affecting survival. At 10%, it caused low toxicity and altered haemocyte profiles. rGO induced high toxicity at 1%, impacting survival and moulting. PP alone caused stress only at 10%. Embedding rGO in a polymer matrix reduces its toxicity compared to free rGO but still enhances PP effects. These findings highlight the need for thorough environmental risk assessment of nanocomposites.
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Scientists tested how tiny plastic particles and a common pesticide affect soil creatures that are important for healthy ecosystems. They found that when these two pollutants are combined, they become more harmful than when alone - even at levels that seemed safe individually. This matters because humans are also exposed to both microplastics and pesticides in our food and environment, suggesting these combinations could pose greater health risks than we previously understood.
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Scientists fed ground beetles tiny plastic particles (the same types found in packaging and bottles) and found the plastics damaged their gut function and reproductive organs by triggering cell-damaging stress, with two plastic types combined causing even worse effects than either alone. While this study is on beetles, not humans, it's a warning sign: as microplastics build up in soil from litter and waste, they may be harming small creatures that are crucial to healthy ecosystems and food chains — and the "mixture effect" finding suggests real-world plastic pollution (which is rarely just one type) could be more harmful than lab studies testing single pl
New insights in to the environmental behavior and ecological toxicity of microplastics
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This review provides new insights into how microplastics behave in the environment and their toxic effects on living organisms. Microplastics can absorb and carry other pollutants, making them more dangerous than the plastic alone, and their effects vary based on size, shape, and chemical composition. The review highlights that smaller particles, especially nanoplastics, pose the greatest risk because they can cross biological barriers and enter cells.
Terrestrial ecotoxicity of plastics: Effect factors for life cycle impact assessment
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Scientists studied how plastic pollution in soil harms plants and small animals to create a scoring system that measures environmental damage. They found that tiny plastic particles smaller than 1 micrometer are about 7 times more toxic to soil life than larger plastic pieces. This research helps us better understand how plastic waste in our environment affects the ecosystems that support food production and other services we depend on.
Plastic pollution – A case study with Enchytraeus crypticus – From micro-to nanoplastics
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The fragmentation of microplastics into nanoplastics and cellular uptake by the soil invertebrate Enchytraeus crypticus were studied, highlighting nanoplastics as a more hazardous form of plastic pollution than microplastics. Unlike microplastics, nanoplastic particles can be internalized by cells, raising concerns about greater biological impact as plastic debris continues to fragment.
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