Papers

Microbial hitchhikers on microplastics: The exchange of aquatic microbes across distinct aquatic habitats

This study investigated how microorganisms hitchhike on microplastics as they move between river and ocean environments, finding that plastic surfaces were colonized by pollutant-degrading bacteria and plastic-degrading fungi. The mere presence of microplastics in seawater increased the abundance of planktonic fungi from 2% to 25%, showing that microplastics significantly alter microbial communities. This matters for human health because microplastics can transport potentially harmful microorganisms across different water environments, including those used for drinking water and aquaculture.

Synthetic biology enables mushrooms to meet emerging sustainable challenges

This perspective paper discusses how synthetic biology can enhance mushroom cultivation and fermentation to address sustainability challenges, including applications in biodegradable materials and pollution cleanup. While not directly about microplastics, mushroom-based materials could serve as biodegradable alternatives to plastics, and engineered fungi may help break down existing plastic pollution. The research points toward biological solutions for reducing plastic waste in the environment.

Fluorescence Signatures of Dissolved Organic Matter Leached from Microplastics: Polymers and Additives

Researchers used fluorescence analysis to characterize the dissolved organic matter that leaches from common microplastics like PVC and polystyrene, as well as from additives like phthalates and bisphenol A. They found that UV light exposure accelerated the leaching process and identified distinct fluorescence signatures linked to specific plastic types and additives. The study highlights an overlooked pathway by which microplastics release chemical compounds into aquatic environments.

Comprehensive approach to national tire wear emissions: Challenges and implications

Researchers developed a comprehensive approach to estimate national tire wear emissions, which are a major source of microplastics in the environment. They found that increasing vehicle weight due to electrification trends and growing traffic volumes are driving higher emissions, while no regulations currently exist for tire wear. The study provides methods needed for tracking changes in tire-related microplastic pollution and supporting future environmental impact assessments.

Environmental assessment of diets: overview and guidance on indicator choice

Researchers review which environmental indicators — such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land impact — are most useful for assessing how sustainable different diets are, providing guidance for health experts, policymakers, and food industry decision-makers. The authors recommend that diet assessments always include at least five indicator areas including climate change, biodiversity impact, and effects on wild fish stocks to capture the full range of environmental trade-offs.

Assessment of fine and coarse tyre wear particles along a highway stormwater system and in receiving waters: Occurrence and transport

Researchers tracked tire wear particles through a highway stormwater drainage system in Sweden and found contamination at nearly every sampling point, with concentrations reaching up to 17 milligrams per liter in water. A significant portion of the particles were very small, in the 1.6 to 20 micrometer range, which are harder to filter out and more likely to travel long distances. The study highlights that tire wear is a major and often overlooked source of microplastic pollution reaching waterways.

Biodegradation of synthetic plastics by the extracellular lipase of Aspergillus niger

Researchers produced a lipase enzyme from the common fungus Aspergillus niger using agricultural waste and tested its ability to break down three types of plastic. The enzyme caused measurable weight loss in polyethylene, PET, and polystyrene samples, and microscopy confirmed physical degradation of the plastic surfaces. The study suggests that fungal enzymes could serve as an environmentally friendly tool for breaking down plastic waste.

Synthetic biology tools for environmental protection

Researchers reviewed how synthetic biology — engineering microbes and plants with new genetic capabilities — is being applied to detect and remove environmental pollutants, from heavy metals to plastics to industrial chemicals. These genetically engineered "living sensors and cleaners" represent a promising frontier for addressing pollution that conventional treatment methods struggle to handle.

Removal and release of microplastics and other environmental pollutants during the start-up of bioretention filters treating stormwater

This study tested bioretention filters designed to clean stormwater runoff and found they effectively removed microplastics larger than 10 micrometers. However, during the initial start-up period, some filter materials actually released microplastics and other pollutants, highlighting the importance of a break-in phase before these systems work as intended.

Genipap Oil as a Natural Cross-Linker for Biodegradable and Low-Ecotoxicity Porous Absorbents via Reactive Extrusion

Scientists developed biodegradable porous absorbent materials made from agricultural protein waste and a natural plant-based crosslinker, as an alternative to fossil-fuel-derived absorbents. The resulting materials showed strong absorption capacity, good mechanical properties, and broke down completely in soil within six weeks without leaving toxic residues. This research offers a practical path toward replacing synthetic absorbents that contribute to microplastic pollution.

Vertical transport of buoyant microplastic particles in the ocean: The role of turbulence and biofouling

Researchers modeled how turbulence and biofouling interact to determine the vertical movement of buoyant microplastic particles in the ocean. They identified three distinct flow regimes that govern whether microplastics stay at the surface, oscillate, or sink to the seafloor. The study helps explain the observation that even low-density microplastics are found in deep ocean sediments, suggesting biofouling-driven density changes are a key transport mechanism.

Insight into aging behavior of superabsorbent polymer in cement-based materials to release microplastic pollution

Researchers investigated the aging behavior of superabsorbent polymers used as internal curing agents in cement-based materials over 70 days. They found that the polymer particles fragmented from their original size into smaller pieces ranging from 0.1 to 200 micrometers, with swelling capacity decreasing by nearly 47%. The study reveals that aging of superabsorbent polymers in construction materials is inevitable and may constitute an overlooked source of microplastic pollution.

Traffic-related microplastic particles, metals, and organic pollutants in an urban area under reconstruction

A study in a Gothenburg urban reconstruction area simultaneously measured microplastics, metals, and organic pollutants in road washwater, sweepsand, and stormwater, finding correlations among pollutant types and highlighting road runoff as a key pathway for co-transport to receiving waters.

Amino acid modified graphene oxide for the simultaneous capture and electrochemical detection of glyphosate

Researchers developed amino acid modified graphene oxide materials capable of simultaneously capturing and electrochemically detecting the herbicide glyphosate in water. The study demonstrates a promising approach for monitoring organic pollutants in aqueous environments, with potential applications for detecting various contaminants.

Next-generation nanomaterials for environmental remediation: smart design, hybrid materials and sustainable use

Researchers reviewed advances in eco-engineered nanomaterials for remediating persistent environmental contaminants — including PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals — covering adsorption, photocatalytic, and magnetic recovery systems, while discussing sustainability challenges around lifecycle, toxicity, and real-world deployment.

Eco-toxicological and climate change effects of sludge thermal treatments: Pathways towards zero pollution and negative emissions

Researchers analyzed sewage sludge for 12 heavy metals and 61 toxic organic compounds — including flame retardants and PFAS 'forever chemicals' — and found that thermal treatments like pyrolysis destroy over 93–95% of these pollutants while also generating renewable energy and achieving net-negative carbon emissions. This contrasts with conventional sludge treatment, which leaves significant chemical contamination intact and has a higher climate impact.

Size Matters: Ingestion of Relatively Large Microplastics Contaminated with Environmental Pollutants Posed Little Risk for Fish Health and Fillet Quality

Rainbow trout were fed polystyrene microplastics (100–400 μm) contaminated with sewage or harbor effluent for 4 weeks, with liver biomarkers showing no significant oxidative stress and the fillet showing no change in oxidative stability during ice storage. The study concludes that ingestion of environmentally-sized contaminated microplastics poses little risk to fish health or meat quality under realistic exposure conditions.

Early-Stage Simplified SSbD Screening of a Removable, PVC-Free Screen-Printing Ink: A Qualitative Life Cycle Perspective

Researchers conducted a qualitative sustainability screening of a water-based, partially bio-based, PVC-free screen-printing ink using the EU Safe and Sustainable by Design framework and LCBROM methodology, finding potential reductions in toxicity and environmental persistence compared to conventional plastisol inks, while identifying trade-offs in material cost, fossil-based ingredient reliance, and durability that require future quantitative life-cycle validation.

Cumulative impact assessment for ecosystem-based marine spatial planning

This review examines how cumulative human impact assessments — which combine pressures from fishing, pollution, shipping, and other sources — can be integrated into marine spatial planning to better balance human uses against ecosystem health.

Enhancing air filtration efficiency with triboelectric nanogenerators in face masks and industrial filters

Microplastics in sub-surface waters of the Arctic Central Basin

This study detected and characterized microplastics in sub-surface waters of the Arctic Central Basin, finding that even these remote deep waters contain measurable microplastic contamination, likely transported by ocean currents.

An Outdoor Aging Study to Investigate the Release of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from Functional Textiles

Researchers investigated the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from functional textiles during outdoor weathering in Sydney, finding that PFAS-treated polyamide fabrics release fluorinated compounds into the environment through aging and degradation.

Bark and biochar in horizontal flow filters effectively remove microplastics from stormwater

Researchers tested horizontal flow filters made with bark and biochar for their ability to remove microplastics from stormwater, achieving effective retention of multiple plastic types including polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. The organic filter materials trapped the majority of particles, with performance varying by plastic type and filter composition. The study demonstrates that affordable, nature-based filter systems can be a practical solution for reducing microplastic pollution in urban stormwater runoff.

Aberrant microbiomes are associated with increased antibiotic resistance gene load in hybrid mice

Researchers studied gut microbiome composition and antibiotic resistance gene content in hybrid mice compared to their parent species using amplicon sequencing. They found that hybridization between genetically divergent mouse populations was associated with aberrant microbial communities that carried a higher load of antibiotic resistance genes. The study suggests that host genetics may play a previously underappreciated role in shaping both gut microbiome composition and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.