Papers

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

This review covers where microplastics come from, how they form, and their toxic effects on humans, noting that microplastics have been found in blood, stool, sputum, saliva, and placenta. The paper links microplastic exposure to cancer, intestinal disease, cardiovascular problems, and inflammatory conditions, and describes cleanup methods including filtration, adsorption, and photocatalytic degradation.

A Critical Review on Biological Impacts, Ecotoxicity, and Health Risks Associated with Microplastics

Functionalized siRNA-chitosan nanoformulations promote triple-negative breast cancer cell death via blocking the miRNA-21/AKT/ERK signaling axis: in-silico and in vitro studies

This study developed nanoparticles made from chitosan (a natural material) loaded with gene-silencing molecules to target triple-negative breast cancer cells. While not about microplastics, this research uses nanoscale particle technology similar to what is studied in nanoplastic research, and the chitosan-based delivery system demonstrates how tiny particles can penetrate cells and alter gene activity -- the same mechanisms that make nanoplastics concerning for human health.

Synthetic Degradable Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer and Its Blends with Starch and Cellulose—A Comprehensive Overview

This review explores polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and its blends with natural materials like starch and cellulose as biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics. By combining these affordable natural polymers with PVA, researchers aim to create cost-effective products that break down in the environment, helping reduce the plastic waste crisis that contaminates water, soil, and threatens human health.

Efficient removal performance of polystyrene microplastics from strongly acidic solutions by two functionalized nanosized biochars derived from low-cost sustainable sources

Researchers created two low-cost cleaning materials from pineapple and artichoke waste that can remove polystyrene microplastics from water. These tiny biochar particles, modified with oxalic acid, were effective at capturing microplastics from acidic water solutions. The approach offers a sustainable and affordable way to help clean microplastic-contaminated water using agricultural waste that would otherwise be thrown away.

Tracking the translocation of nanoplastics from soil to plant: Comparison of different analytical techniques

This study compared different lab techniques for tracking nanoplastics as they move from soil into wheat plants. Researchers found that wheat seedlings absorbed enormous quantities of nanoplastics through their roots in just five days, leading to a 77% drop in plant growth. The findings matter for food safety because they show nanoplastics in contaminated soil can be taken up by food crops.

Melatonin-Mediated Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

This review examines how melatonin, a molecule found in all living organisms, helps plants cope with environmental stresses like drought, extreme temperatures, salinity, and heavy metal contamination. Researchers found that melatonin works by neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species and activating plant defense pathways. The study suggests that melatonin-based treatments could help improve crop resilience in the face of increasing environmental challenges, including soil pollution.

Characteristics, limitations and global regulations in the use of biogas digestate as fertilizer: A comprehensive overview

This review examines the use of biogas digestate, the leftover material from biogas production, as agricultural fertilizer, highlighting both its benefits and risks. While digestate is rich in nutrients, it can contain contaminants including heavy metals, pathogens, and microplastics that may enter the food chain through treated crops. The authors review global regulations and call for stricter quality controls to prevent microplastic and other contaminant transfer to agricultural soils.

Microplastics: Occurrences, treatment methods, regulations and foreseen environmental impacts

This review provides a broad overview of microplastic pollution, covering where these particles are found, how they are treated and regulated, and what environmental impacts are anticipated. Researchers found that current wastewater treatment methods are often insufficient to fully remove microplastics, and regulatory frameworks remain inconsistent across countries. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved treatment technologies and coordinated global policies to address this growing environmental challenge.

Salinity-dependent effects of integrated biofloc technology on reproductive performance, biological responses, and offspring quality in red tilapia aquaculture

Researchers evaluated how different salinity levels affect the reproductive performance and offspring quality of red tilapia raised in biofloc aquaculture systems. They found that biofloc technology improved egg production, antioxidant capacity, and immune responses compared to clear water systems. The study provides practical guidance for optimizing tilapia breeding conditions in sustainable aquaculture operations.

Current perspectives, challenges, and future directions in the electrochemical detection of microplastics

This review examines the emerging use of electrochemical sensors for detecting microplastics in the environment. Researchers found that while electrochemical methods have been widely explored for microplastic removal, their potential as low-cost detection tools remains largely untapped. The study highlights recent advances in nanoimpact techniques and electrode modifications that could make environmental microplastic monitoring more practical and affordable.

Bioremediation of n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals from wastewater using seaweeds

Researchers tested three types of dried seaweed for their ability to remove petroleum compounds and heavy metals from wastewater. They found that all three seaweed species effectively absorbed these pollutants, with removal rates improving as seaweed concentration increased. The study suggests that seaweed could serve as a low-cost, natural material for cleaning contaminated water.

Chronic exposure to bisphenol A induces behavioural, neurochemical, histological, and ultrastructural alterations in the ganglia tissue of the date mussels Lithophaga lithophaga

Researchers exposed Mediterranean date mussels to bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic additive, and studied its effects on their nervous system over 28 days. Even at low concentrations, BPA caused significant nerve tissue damage, altered neurotransmitter levels, and impaired the mussels' ability to retract into their shells. The findings suggest that BPA acts as a neurotoxin in marine invertebrates, raising concerns about its widespread presence in ocean environments.

From Waste to Worth: Upcycling Plastic into High-Value Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

This study reviewed innovative methods for converting plastic waste into high-value carbon-based nanomaterials like graphene and carbon nanotubes. Researchers examined several techniques including pyrolysis, chemical vapor deposition, and flash joule heating, finding that thermal decomposition is currently the most scalable approach for industrial applications. The study suggests that turning plastic waste into advanced materials could help address pollution while also creating economically valuable products.

Protective efficacy of dietary natural antioxidants on microplastic particles-induced histopathological lesions in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Researchers tested whether dietary natural antioxidants could protect African catfish from tissue damage caused by microplastic ingestion. Fish fed microplastics alone showed significant kidney, liver, and intestinal damage including cellular necrosis and tissue fibrosis, while fish receiving lycopene, citric acid, or chlorella alongside the microplastics showed substantially reduced tissue injury. The study suggests that natural antioxidant supplementation may help mitigate the harmful effects of microplastic exposure in aquaculture species.

Acute toxicity assessment of polyaniline/Ag nanoparticles/graphene oxide quantum dots on Cypridopsis vidua and Artemia salina

Researchers tested the toxicity of a nanocomposite material — designed to remove toxic chromium from water — on two small aquatic animals (brine shrimp and freshwater ostracods), finding it caused high toxicity only at very large doses well above practical treatment concentrations. The results suggest this nanoadsorbent is relatively safe for aquatic life at the concentrations likely used in water treatment applications.

Harmful impacts of microplastic pollution on poultry and biodegradation techniques using microorganisms for consumer health protection: A review

This review examines how microplastic pollution affects poultry health and food safety, finding that microplastics have been detected in chicken meat from supermarkets and open markets. Evidence indicates that microplastics can damage vital organs in poultry, reduce egg production, and accumulate in edible tissues. The authors also review biodegradation techniques using microorganisms as a potential strategy for reducing microplastic contamination in the food supply.

Enhancing the Biodegradability, Water Solubility, and Thermal Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol through Natural Polymer Blending: An Approach toward Sustainable Polymer Applications

Researchers blended synthetic polyvinyl alcohol with natural polymers like corn starch and cellulose derivatives to create more environmentally friendly plastic alternatives. Adding corn starch doubled the rate of biodegradation in soil, while cellulose blending boosted both water solubility and biodegradation from 10% to 100%. The study offers a practical approach to making existing plastics break down faster, potentially reducing long-term microplastic pollution.

Effect of chilling and salinity stress on photosynthetic performance and ultrastructure of chloroplast in faba beans (Vicia faba L.) leaves

Researchers studied how chilling and salinity stress, individually and combined, affect photosynthesis and chloroplast structure in faba bean plants. The study found that while both stresses reduced photosynthetic performance, chilling exposure actually improved the plant's tolerance to salt stress by helping maintain chloroplast structure and stomatal function.

Green synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide by Ocimum tenuiflorum extract: characterization, adsorption modeling, cytotoxic screening, and metal ions adsorption applications

Researchers synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf extract and tested their ability to adsorb cadmium and lead ions from water. The nanoparticles effectively removed heavy metal contaminants from environmental water samples, demonstrating potential as an eco-friendly tool for water remediation.

Antimicrobial activity of Monascus purpureus-derived red pigments against Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis

Researchers found that red pigment extracted from the fungus Monascus purpureus killed Salmonella, E. coli, and Enterococcus bacteria more effectively than several common antibiotics in lab tests, with the dye disrupting bacterial cell membranes, suggesting it could be a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Extracellular Silver Nanoparticles from Streptomyces aizuneusis: Antimicrobial, Anti Larval, and Anticancer Activities

Researchers synthesized silver nanoparticles from Streptomyces aizuneusis and demonstrated their antimicrobial, anti-larval, and anticancer activities, contributing to the development of eco-friendly green nanotechnology approaches.

Zero-valent iron supported-lemon derived biochar for ultra-fast adsorption of methylene blue

Researchers developed a nano zero-valent iron supported on lemon-derived biochar composite for ultra-fast adsorption of methylene blue dye from water, demonstrating its effectiveness as an ecofriendly and low-cost adsorbent for water treatment.

Wastewater and sludge valorisation: a novel approach for treatment and resource recovery to achieve circular economy concept

This review highlights novel approaches for wastewater and sludge valorisation within a circular economy framework, focusing on recovering value-added products including biopolymers, nutrients, and energy to achieve sustainable development goals and combat water scarcity.