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Papers
101 resultsShowing papers from University of Milano-Bicocca
ClearFirst evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertility
For the first time, researchers detected microplastic particles in the fluid surrounding eggs in human ovaries. Tiny plastic particles were found in 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment, and higher microplastic levels correlated with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone, a key reproductive hormone. While no direct link to fertility outcomes was confirmed in this small study, the findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure and female reproductive health.
The recovery of European freshwater biodiversity has come to a halt
Researchers analyzed 1,816 freshwater invertebrate community datasets from 22 European countries spanning 1968 to 2020, finding that biodiversity recovered steadily through the 1990s and 2000s thanks to water quality improvements, but has largely plateaued since the 2010s. Emerging threats including climate warming, emerging pollutants like microplastics, and invasive species are now offsetting earlier conservation gains, signaling that stronger protections are urgently needed.
Dietary exposure and risk assessment of plastic particles in cow’s milk stored in various packaging materials
Researchers compared plastic particle contamination in cow's milk stored in different types of packaging and found that milk in multilayer containers had more plastic particles than milk in PET or glass bottles. This matters for human health because millions of people drink milk daily, and the packaging itself may be adding plastic contaminants to a staple food.
2024 roadmap on membrane desalination technology at the water-energy nexus
This roadmap review covers the latest advances in membrane technology for turning seawater and brackish water into drinking water. While the paper focuses on desalination engineering, it notes that membrane filtration is also being explored as a way to remove microplastics from water supplies, which is relevant to reducing human exposure through drinking water.
Physical and cellular impact of environmentally relevant microplastic exposure on thermally challenged Pocillopora damicornis (Cnidaria, Scleractinia)
Corals exposed to microplastics at levels currently found in the ocean showed more cellular damage when also stressed by warm water temperatures. The microplastics triggered inflammation-like responses and slowed down tissue repair in the corals. This matters because coral reefs are already under severe pressure from climate change, and microplastic pollution appears to make their situation worse.
First evidence of microplastic contamination in the supraglacial debris of an alpine glacier
Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic contamination on an alpine glacier, finding concentrations in the supraglacial debris of Italy's Forni Glacier comparable to levels seen in European beaches and coastal sediments. The particles included polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene from outdoor clothing and packaging. The discovery shows that microplastic pollution has reached even remote high-mountain environments.
Plastic-Degrading Microbial Consortia from a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Researchers isolated bacteria from a wastewater treatment plant that can break down common plastics including polyethylene and polystyrene, some of the hardest plastics to recycle. The microbial communities worked together to degrade the plastics more effectively than individual bacterial strains. While biological plastic degradation is still slow compared to the scale of pollution, identifying these bacteria is a step toward developing biotechnology solutions for plastic waste cleanup.
From the Environment to Molecular Interactions of Nanoplastics: Unraveling the Neurotoxic Impacts and the Implications in Neurodegenerative Processes
This review examines how nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially contribute to brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nanoplastics have been found in food, water, and air, and once they reach the brain they can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding. The review calls for more realistic lab studies and better detection methods to understand the true scope of nanoplastic effects on brain health.
Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs
Researchers conducted the first standardized cross-national survey of plastic debris in 38 lakes and reservoirs, finding plastic in every water body sampled and showing that densely populated urban lakes and large reservoirs with long water-retention times accumulate plastic at concentrations rivaling the most polluted ocean garbage patches.
Antibiotic resistance in urban soils: Dynamics and mitigation strategies
This review examines how urban soils act as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with microplastics identified as one of the sources spreading antibiotics and resistance genes through soil. The resistant bacteria can transfer to humans through direct contact, food, and water. The findings highlight an underappreciated way that microplastic pollution in cities could contribute to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.
Polystyrene micro and nano-particles induce metabolic rewiring in normal human colon cells: A risk factor for human health
Researchers exposed normal human colon cells to polystyrene micro and nanoplastic particles and observed significant metabolic changes in the cells. The study found that these plastic particles altered energy metabolism and cellular pathways in ways that could increase vulnerability to disease. These findings raise concerns that routine ingestion of microplastics through contaminated food may affect normal intestinal cell function in humans.
Impacts of microplastics on reef-building corals: Disentangling the contribution of the chain scission products released by weathering
Researchers investigated how microplastics harm reef-building corals by separating the effects of physical contact from the chemical leachates released as plastics degrade. They found that while physical interaction with the particles caused immediate tissue damage, the chemical breakdown products from aged plastics created additional toxic effects. The study highlights that weathered microplastics pose a compound threat to coral health through both mechanical abrasion and chemical contamination.
Microplastics in the environment: The role of polymer science
This paper highlights why understanding polymer science is essential for addressing the microplastics problem. Researchers argue that microplastics behave differently from other microparticles because of their unique polymer-specific interactions with the environment and living organisms. The study calls for interdisciplinary collaboration between polymer scientists and environmental researchers to develop better identification methods, risk assessments, and remediation strategies.
Microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems: A study using barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets
Researchers analyzed barn owl pellets as a non-invasive method to assess microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. The study found confirmed microplastics in 33% of pellets collected from three agricultural areas, with polyethylene terephthalate microfibres being the most common type, suggesting that barn owl pellet analysis could serve as a cost-effective monitoring tool for terrestrial microplastic pollution.
Evidence of microplastic ingestion by cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Researchers evaluated, for the first time, microplastic presence in farmed European sea bass cultivated in coastal waters of Tenerife, Canary Islands. They found that 65% of the 83 examined fish contained microplastics in their gastrointestinal tracts, demonstrating that cultured fish are also exposed to microplastic contamination, not just wild-caught species.
The pressures and opportunities for coral reef preservation and restoration in the Maldives
Researchers reviewed the pressures facing coral reefs in the Maldives, including climate change, pollution, and human activities, and outlined opportunities for preservation and restoration. The study highlights the high vulnerability of Maldivian coral reef ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of marine ecosystem services for human wellbeing in island nations.
Microplastics from miscellaneous plastic wastes: Physico-chemical characterization and impact on fish and amphibian development
Researchers created microplastics from real-world miscellaneous plastic waste and tested their effects on zebrafish and frog embryo development. The waste-derived microplastics, which more closely resembled environmental particles than commercial microspheres, caused species-specific effects including delayed hatching in zebrafish and intestinal accumulation and tissue stress in frog embryos.
Microplastics in Cosmetics: Open Questions and Sustainable Opportunities
This review examines the role of microplastics in cosmetic products and the industry's transition toward sustainable alternatives as regulations tighten worldwide. Researchers surveyed the properties that make plastic particles useful in cosmetics, such as texture and appearance enhancement, alongside their environmental drawbacks. The study provides an overview of emerging bio-based and biodegradable replacement materials that could help the personal care industry eliminate microplastics from formulations.
Influence of microplastics on the bioconcentration of organic contaminants in fish: Is the “Trojan horse” effect a matter of concern?
Researchers tested whether microplastic ingestion increases the bioconcentration of hydrophobic organic chemicals in zebrafish, examining the so-called 'Trojan horse' effect. They found that exposure to contaminated polyethylene microplastics did not significantly increase chemical accumulation in fish compared to waterborne exposure alone. The study suggests that for these chemicals, direct water exposure remains the dominant uptake pathway, and the microplastic carrier effect may be less concerning than previously thought.
Evidence of oxidative stress in the soft coral Pinnigorgia flava (Nutting, 1910) exposed to secondary plastic nanofibers and related leachates
Researchers exposed a soft coral species to secondary nanoplastics and their chemical leachates derived from degraded polypropylene fabrics. Both treatments caused oxidative stress in the coral, but direct contact with the nanoplastic particles triggered a stronger antioxidant response than the dissolved chemicals alone. The findings indicate that nanoplastic pollution poses a physical as well as chemical threat to coral reef organisms.
Microfluidic nanoparticle synthesis for oral solid dosage forms: A step toward clinical transition processes
Researchers used microfluidic technology to mass-produce drug-loaded nanoparticles and successfully incorporated them into oral tablets and pellets, showing the particles remained stable and effective through manufacturing — a step toward making nanoparticle-based medicines easier to produce and prescribe.
Exposure to urban nanoparticles at low PM$$_1$$ concentrations as a source of oxidative stress and inflammation
Researchers exposed human lung cells to real urban air at very low pollution concentrations and found that even small amounts of nanoparticles — especially those containing copper — triggered oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting current air quality standards may underestimate the danger of nanoparticle-rich city air.
Who inhabits the built environment? A microbiological point of view on the principal bacteria colonizing our urban areas
Researchers reviewed the types of bacteria that colonize human-built environments such as homes, offices, hospitals, and public transportation. They found that humans are the primary source and carrier of bacterial diversity in these spaces, and that factors like ventilation, cleaning practices, and building materials shape the microbial communities present. The study highlights the importance of understanding indoor microbial ecosystems for public health, particularly as people spend increasing amounts of time indoors.
Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: Rapid degradation of the world’s large lakes
Scientists issued a comprehensive warning that the world's large lakes — critical freshwater sources supporting biodiversity and billions of people — are degrading rapidly due to warming temperatures, habitat destruction, invasive species, and accelerating pollution including microplastics. The review calls for urgent conservation action and a global network of long-term lake monitoring stations to detect and respond to ongoing changes.