Efficient degradation of polystyrene microplastics in aquatic systems via plasma activated water: Mechanistic insights, life cycle assessment, and environmental safety evaluation

Polystyrene microplastics: environmental presence, pathways, and biological impact

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Researchers reviewed the environmental presence, transport pathways, and biological impacts of polystyrene microplastics, documenting how widespread food packaging use leads to pervasive contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and raises concerns for organismal and human health.

Evolution of Polystyrene in Simulated River: Micro(Nano)Plastics Generation and Plastic Additives Release

The Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics in Living Organisms; Environmental and Ecological Concerns

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This review comprehensively examined the environmental and ecological impacts of polystyrene microplastics, which readily adsorb both organic and inorganic pollutants and carry them into living organisms. Polystyrene is one of the most widely produced plastics globally, and its breakdown into microplastics creates particles that act as vectors for toxic chemicals in ecosystems and potentially in human bodies.

Case Studies on the Polymer-Water Nexus: Microplastic Degradation Using Catalyzed Wet Oxidation

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Case studies of catalyzed wet oxidation — a process using high temperature, pressure, and chemical catalysts — demonstrated effective degradation of microplastic polymers in water, converting them to smaller organic molecules or CO2. This technology offers a route to complete microplastic elimination from wastewater streams rather than filtration and disposal, which is critical as conventional treatment plants fail to remove a significant fraction of plastic particles.

Review on Microplastics as an Emerging Pollutant in Ecosystem and Its Impact: Integrated Approaches of Microplastic Biodegradation

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This review examines microplastics as a pervasive and slow-degrading pollutant in soils and waterways, exploring biodegradation approaches as a potential solution to break them down. Because microplastics can absorb other toxic chemicals and enter food chains, finding ways to eliminate them from the environment is critical for protecting both ecosystems and human health.