New Regulatory Mechanisms of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Ecological Risk of Zinc: Cellular Oxidative Injury and Molecular Toxicity Mechanisms in Soil Sentinel Organisms (Eisenia Fetida)

Toxicological Effects of Micro and Nanoplastics on Soil Fauna: Current Research, Advances, and Future Outlook

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Researchers reviewed the toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on soil-dwelling organisms such as earthworms and insects, finding that these particles can disrupt reproduction, growth, and survival, with potential ripple effects for soil health and food production.

Mechanism of polystyrene microplastics facilitating the intestinal absorption of dietary Zn in daphnia under trophic transfer

Cytotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction and DNA Damage in Hemocytes of the Pacific Oyster

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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) can damage the immune cells of oysters by harming their mitochondria, the "batteries" that power cells, leading to DNA damage even at low exposure levels. While this study was done in oysters, not humans, it adds to growing evidence that nanoplastics can disrupt basic cell functions, raising questions about what similar exposure might mean for human health given how widespread plastic pollution has become in our food and water.

Cellular and Animal Toxicities of Micro- and Nanoplastics

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Researchers reviewed evidence from cell and animal studies on the toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics, finding that these particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ damage in laboratory models, raising concern about what chronic low-level human exposure might mean for long-term health.

Biochemical, Histological and Molecular Docking into the Impact of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Antioxidant Enzymes and Testicular Health in Rats

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Tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics, found widely in our environment, may harm male fertility, according to a new rat study. Rats exposed to higher doses of these plastics showed weakened antioxidant defenses and physical damage to testicular tissue, including fewer developing sperm cells. While this research was done in rats, not humans, it adds to growing concerns that the microplastics and nanoplastics we're routinely exposed to through food, water, and air could pose risks to reproductive health.