We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Integrative Ecotoxicology of Pharmaceuticals and Nanoplastics: A PRISMA-Guided Bibliometric Review Linking Ecosystem and Environmental Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This PRISMA-guided bibliometric review synthesized 2022–2024 research on integrative ecotoxicology approaches for pharmaceuticals and nanoplastics, finding that combining biomarkers, omics, computational models, and bioindicators provides richer mechanistic insight than single-endpoint assays, and proposing a practical research framework.
Background: Ecotoxicology increasingly faces complex mixtures and multilevel responses that single-compound, single-species assays cannot capture. Aim and objectives: To synthesize recent evidence (2022–2024) on integrative ecotoxicology (combining biomarkers, omics, computational models, and bioindicators) with emphasis on pharmaceuticals and nanoplastics, and to outline gaps and a practical framework for research and policy. Methods: A PRISMA-guided search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Springer Link (2022–2024). Duplicates were removed in Mendeley; screening used Rayyan with PICO-style inclusion/exclusion. The qualitative synthesis was complemented by bibliometric mapping (VOSviewer) to visualize thematic co-occurrences. Results: Fifty-two articles met criteria. Across aquatic and terrestrial models, integrative designs consistently revealed sublethal effects (oxidative stress, AChE inhibition, dysregulated apoptosis, teratogenicity) and molecular pathway disruption identified by transcriptomics/proteomics/metabolomics. Computational approaches (Bayesian networks; multivariate models) improved risk prioritization. Case studies showed synergism (e.g., nanoplastics-diclofenac) and highlighted soil interfaces (biochar-mediated metal speciation; earthworm biomarkers). Conclusions: Integrative ecotoxicology strengthens causal inference across biological levels and supports One Health and regulatory decision-making. Priority needs include standardized multi-level designs, mixture-aware endpoints, cross-matrix comparability (wáter-sediment-soil), FAIR data pipelines, and translation to policies (e.g., effluent standards, product stewardship). A concise research framework for policy formulation is proposed that links problem formulation, mixture-aware testing, omics-based pathways, and decision analysis.
More Papers Like This
Multi-Omics Approach on the Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the application of multi-omics approaches — including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics — to the ecotoxicological assessment of microplastics in living organisms. The authors synthesize how these integrated molecular tools are advancing understanding of the mechanistic pathways by which microplastics disrupt biological systems, offering a more comprehensive picture than single-endpoint toxicity studies.
Trends, challenges, and research pathways in emerging contaminants: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This large-scale bibliometric analysis reviewed over 62,000 studies on emerging contaminants published between 2000 and 2024, finding that microplastics are among the fastest-growing areas of environmental health research. The analysis highlights that understanding how microplastics interact with other pollutants like pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors is a critical frontier for protecting human health.
A comprehensive review of the circulation of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem using scientometric method
AI summary Read the abstract
A scientometric analysis mapped global research trends on microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, identifying key research themes, leading countries, and major journals in the field while synthesizing evidence on plastic transport, toxicity, and food web circulation. The review documents exponential growth in microplastic research publications and highlights emerging topics including nanoplastics and combined pollutant effects.
Determination of the pharmaceuticals–nano/microplastics in aquatic systems by analytical and instrumental methods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed analytical and instrumental methods for detecting pharmaceutical compounds associated with nano- and microplastic particles in aquatic systems. They examined how pharmaceuticals bind to plastic particles and the combined environmental risks these mixtures pose to water sources and marine life. The study identifies gaps in current detection capabilities and calls for improved methods to assess the combined impact of these co-occurring pollutants.
Integrative strategies and future perspectives to mitigate chemical toxicity in human and aquatic systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized current evidence on chemical pollutants — including microplastics, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides — across human and aquatic toxicological literature, identifying chronic low-dose exposure, synergistic mixture effects, and analytical detection limits as the most persistent obstacles to integrated risk management.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.