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Papers
83 resultsShowing papers from Cukurova University
ClearReview of microplastics and chemical risk posed by plastic packaging on the marine environment to inform the Global Plastics Treaty
This review examines how plastic packaging, the largest sector of plastic production, contributes to microplastic pollution in the marine environment and poses chemical risks to both marine life and humans through the food chain. The authors argue that upstream solutions like reducing plastic production and banning harmful chemicals in packaging are essential for an effective Global Plastics Treaty.
Presence of microplastics in human stomachs
In the first study to confirm microplastics in human stomachs, researchers found plastic particles in all 26 cadavers examined, averaging about 9 particles per person with fibers being the most common type. The estimated daily intake was about 32 particles per day, providing direct evidence that microplastics are routinely present in the human digestive system.
Plastic Pollution, Waste Management Issues, and Circular Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities
This review examines how rural communities around the world are both contributors to and victims of plastic pollution, with agricultural plastic waste being a major source of microplastics in farmland. Poor waste management in rural areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries, leads to plastic contamination of soil, water, and the food supply. The authors argue that involving rural communities in circular economy solutions is essential for reducing plastic pollution and protecting public health.
Unveiling Microplastics in Commercial Brackish Water Fishes from the Lower Meghna River Estuary of Bangladesh
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of three commonly eaten fish species from the Meghna River estuary in Bangladesh, with one species averaging nearly 23 particles per fish. Fibers were the dominant shape, and several of the plastic types identified scored high on a polymer hazard index. Since these fish are a dietary staple for local populations, the study highlights a direct route of microplastic exposure for millions of people in Bangladesh.
When it Comes to Microplastic Pollution, is the Aquaculture Industry a Victim or Perpetrator?
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in aquaculture facilities and the animals raised in them. The findings show widespread microplastic presence in farmed fish and shellfish, meaning that aquaculture products are a significant pathway for human microplastic exposure, which could affect immune function over time.
Intravenous hypertonic fluids as a source of human microplastic exposure
Researchers tested 13 brands of intravenous hypertonic fluid solutions and found microplastics in every single sample, with an average of about 63 particles per liter. The particles were mostly fragments of various plastics ranging from 0.04 to 2.37 millimeters in size. This is especially concerning because IV fluids bypass the body's natural barriers like the gut and lungs, delivering microplastics directly into the bloodstream of hospital patients.
The Essentials of Marine Biotechnology
This comprehensive article reviews the field of marine biotechnology, which harnesses ocean organisms for applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, agriculture, and energy. Researchers describe the enormous diversity of marine life, from microorganisms to deep-sea species, and the promising biomolecules they produce. The study outlines both the opportunities and the environmental responsibilities involved in developing products inspired by or derived from marine resources.
Moving from symptom management to upstream plastics prevention: The fallacy of plastic cleanup technology
This paper argues that plastic cleanup technologies, while helpful at a local scale, cannot solve the global plastic pollution crisis and may distract from more effective solutions. The authors present evidence that reducing plastic production upstream is far more efficient and economical than trying to remove plastic from the environment after it has been released. The findings are important for human health because preventing plastic pollution at the source would reduce the microplastics that end up in food, water, and air.
Riverine microplastic discharge along the southern Black Sea coast of Türkiye
Researchers sampled 29 rivers flowing into the southern Black Sea coast of Turkey and found microplastics present in all of them, with an average concentration of about 9.6 particles per cubic meter. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the most common types, and fibers were the dominant shape, likely originating from textile and domestic wastewater. The study highlights that rivers are a significant pathway for microplastic pollution entering the Black Sea.
Microplastic contamination in high-altitude glacier lakes in Northern Anatolia
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in eight high-altitude glacier lakes in northeastern Turkey and found plastic particles in both surface water and sediments at every site. The most common polymer types identified were polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene, with concentrations varying significantly between lakes. The findings demonstrate that microplastic pollution has reached even remote mountain ecosystems far from major population centers.
Effect of biological and environmental factors on microplastic ingestion of commercial fish species
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion in commercially important fish species, evaluating how biological and environmental factors influence ingestion rates across 2,222 individual fish. The study assessed gastrointestinal tract contents to determine the extent and patterns of microplastic contamination. The findings suggest that both species-specific biology and environmental conditions play important roles in determining microplastic ingestion levels in commercial fish.
Use of industry 4.0 technologies to reduce and valorize seafood waste and by-products: A narrative review on current knowledge
Researchers review how Industry 4.0 technologies — including artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and the Internet of Things — can reduce waste from fish and seafood processing while recovering valuable nutrients and materials. Better management of seafood discards could strengthen global food security and reduce the environmental damage caused by millions of tons of annual fishery waste.
Microplastic contamination in canned fish sold in Türkiye
Researchers analyzed 33 brands of canned fish sold in Turkey for microplastic contamination and found that every sample contained at least one microplastic particle. Fragments were the most common shape, and polyolefin was the most frequently detected polymer type. The study suggests that packaging materials and production processes are the main sources of microplastic contamination in canned fish products.
How efficient are facial masks against COVID-19? Evaluating the mask use of various communities one year into the pandemic
This evaluation of face mask use across multiple communities in Turkey one year into the COVID-19 pandemic found that community masking compliance varied significantly by setting and demographics, with healthcare workers showing the highest adherence. The study confirmed that medical-grade masks provide superior filtration compared to cloth alternatives, though adverse effects from mask use were rare and mainly limited to skin irritation from prolonged wear. The massive global consumption of disposable face masks during the pandemic created a new and significant source of microplastic pollution in both terrestrial and marine environments.
The impact of nano/micro-plastics toxicity on seafood quality and human health: facts and gaps
This review examines the impact of nano- and microplastic contamination on seafood quality and human health. Researchers note that while microplastic absorption in fish is generally considered low, bioavailability depends on the physical and chemical properties of the particles, and prolonged exposure to high levels may be hazardous. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps around long-term exposure effects and calls for policy action on microplastic limits in food.
Plastics derived from disposable greenhouse plastic films and irrigation pipes in agricultural soils: a case study from Turkey
Researchers investigated plastic contamination in agricultural soils in Turkey where disposable greenhouse films and irrigation pipes are used. They found an average of 16.5 plastic pieces per kilogram of soil, with about 42% being microplastics, and evidence indicates that removing used plastics after the growing season significantly reduces soil contamination.
Microplastic pollution of thermal waters in Kütahya, Turkey
Researchers conducted the first-ever study of microplastic contamination in thermal groundwater, sampling thermal waters from nine regions in Kutahya, Turkey. They found an average concentration of 0.85 microplastics per liter, predominantly fibers and fragments, with polyethylene being the most common polymer type. The findings suggest that even deep groundwater systems used for thermal tourism and irrigation are not immune to microplastic contamination from agricultural runoff and infrastructure materials.
Microplastics in soil: a comprehensive review of analytical techniques
This comprehensive review evaluates the various analytical techniques used to identify and quantify microplastics in soil, including sieving, density separation, chemical digestion, and spectroscopic methods like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The authors found significant inconsistencies across studies in how soil microplastics are measured, making it difficult to compare results between different research groups. The review calls for standardized protocols to improve the reliability of soil microplastic assessments.
Microplastic contamination of packaged spirulina products
Researchers tested 29 commercially available spirulina products in various packaging types and found microplastic contamination in the samples. The study suggests that packaging materials may be a source of microplastic contamination in health food products, raising questions about quality control in the dietary supplement supply chain.
Assessment of microplastic abundance and impact on recreational beaches along the western Algerian coastline
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance on three recreational beaches along the western Algerian coastline. The study found an average of about 55 microplastic items per square meter, predominantly fragments, and used a pollution index to characterize contamination levels, contributing important baseline data for understanding plastic pollution along the understudied North African Mediterranean coast.
Microplastics in Freshwater Environments
This chapter reviews microplastic pollution across freshwater environments including rivers, lakes, groundwater, glaciers, and deltas, identifying knowledge gaps and highlighting risks to freshwater ecosystems and human health from widespread plastic contamination.
Metal levels of canned fish sold in Türkiye: health risk assessment
Researchers analyzed metal and metalloid levels in 34 canned fish products sold in Turkey and assessed the potential health risks for consumers. While most metal levels were within acceptable ranges, some products showed elevated concentrations of certain elements. The study provides a health risk assessment for both children and adults, contributing to food safety monitoring efforts.
Microplastic Accumulation and Soil Quality Changes Under Varying Plastic Mulching Durations in the Mediterranean Region
Researchers studied microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils across 15 sites in Türkiye that had used plastic mulching for 5, 10, and 30 years. They found that longer mulching durations led to significantly higher microplastic concentrations, with soil quality declining as plastic particles accumulated. The study suggests that decades of plastic mulch use degrades soil health by altering physical, chemical, and biological properties.
An evaluation on microplastic accumulations in Turkish soils under different land uses
Researchers analyzed 55 soil samples from agricultural and urban areas across three Turkish regions, finding higher microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils (averaging 193 particles/kg) than urban soils, with polyethylene fibers under 1 mm dominating both land use types.