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Papers
74 resultsShowing papers from Universidad de Murcia
ClearMicro-nanoplastics pollution and mammalian fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis of 79 studies across five mammalian species found that micro- and nanoplastics cause reproductive toxicity in a concentration-dependent manner, particularly at high doses. Polystyrene was the most studied polymer, and most research focused on male fertility in mice, leaving a significant gap in knowledge about effects on food-producing animals that could serve as vectors for human exposure.
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.
Carrion ecology in inland aquatic ecosystems: a systematic review
This systematic review of 206 studies on carrion ecology in aquatic ecosystems found that research is heavily biased toward North American river systems and short time periods. The review identified 55 orders of invertebrate scavengers across 179 families, highlighting the underappreciated role of dead animal decomposition in nutrient recycling within freshwater and other inland water ecosystems.
Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem
This study argues that groundwater should be recognized as a "keystone ecosystem" because of its critical role in sustaining surface environments, biodiversity, and human water supplies. Over half of the world's land surface has significant interaction with groundwater, yet it remains overlooked in conservation planning. Protecting groundwater is essential for planetary health, including safeguarding water sources from emerging contaminants like microplastics.
Uncovering microplastics contamination in canned seafood
Researchers tested multiple types of canned seafood and found microplastic contamination in every single product examined, with an average of 3.5 particles per can. Octopus in tomato sauce and tuna in olive oil had the highest contamination levels, and polyester fibers were the most common type found. This study identifies canned seafood as yet another pathway through which people are regularly consuming microplastics, with contamination potentially introduced during the processing and canning stages.
Nanoplastics are bioaccumulated in fish liver and muscle and cause DNA damage after a chronic exposure
Researchers chronically exposed fish to nanoplastics and, for the first time, quantified nanoplastic accumulation in liver and muscle tissue. They found that nanoplastics bioaccumulated in these organs and caused DNA damage in the exposed fish. The study provides important evidence that long-term nanoplastic exposure can lead to measurable tissue contamination and genetic harm in aquatic organisms.
Effects of Sub-Chronic Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Lipid and Antioxidant Metabolism in Sparus aurata
Researchers exposed gilthead seabream to polystyrene nanoplastics for 14 days and measured effects on blood, tissue, and gene expression. While the fish showed no visible tissue damage or changes in body condition, they had reduced hemoglobin levels and significant downregulation of genes related to fat metabolism, growth, and antioxidant defense. The study suggests that nanoplastics can cause subtle but meaningful biological changes in fish even when outward signs of harm are absent.
Distribution of environmental microplastics in different tissues of indigenous freshwater bivalves (<i>Unio</i> spp.): a case study from the Sejenane River in Northern Tunisia
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in three species of freshwater mussels from a river in Northern Tunisia, analyzing particles in gill and digestive gland tissues. They found microplastics present in all species, suggesting these filter-feeding bivalves accumulate particles from their environment. The study demonstrates that freshwater mussels can serve as effective biological indicators for monitoring microplastic pollution in river ecosystems.
Effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on in vitro maturation of pig cumulus-encosed oocytes
Researchers exposed pig egg cells to polystyrene nanoplastics during laboratory maturation and found that while the eggs still completed their basic development stages, the nanoplastics significantly increased harmful reactive oxygen species levels. This oxidative stress reduced the quality of resulting embryos, as indicated by fewer cells per embryo, suggesting nanoplastic exposure could be a concern for reproductive health.
O-280 Unveiling the hidden danger: detection and characterisation of microplastics in human follicular and seminal fluids
Researchers detected and characterized microplastics in human follicular fluid and seminal fluid, providing evidence that plastic particles are present in both male and female reproductive systems. Multiple types of microplastics were identified in the samples using advanced spectroscopic techniques. The findings add to growing evidence that microplastics reach human reproductive organs, raising important questions about their potential effects on fertility and reproductive health.
Dietary administration of PVC and PE microplastics produces histological damage, oxidative stress and immunoregulation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)
Researchers fed European sea bass diets containing PVC and polyethylene microplastics for three weeks and examined the effects on their organs and immune systems. They found significant tissue damage in the liver and intestine, along with signs of oxidative stress and altered immune function. The study suggests that even short-to-medium-term microplastic ingestion can compromise fish health, with longer exposures potentially leading to irreversible organ damage.
In vitro effects of virgin microplastics on fish head-kidney leucocyte activities
Researchers investigated the in vitro effects of PVC and polyethylene microplastics on immune cells from two fish species, gilthead seabream and European sea bass. They found that microplastic exposure affected phagocytic activity, respiratory burst, and the expression of genes related to inflammation and oxidative stress in the immune cells. The study suggests that microplastics may directly modulate fish immune function, potentially making them more vulnerable to infections and disease.
Perspectives and pitfalls in preserving subterranean biodiversity through protected areas
Researchers examine why standard land-based nature reserves often fail to protect the unique species living in caves, underground streams, and other subterranean ecosystems, which are threatened by groundwater extraction, pollution, and land-use change. The authors argue that dedicated protections for underground habitats are urgently needed, especially given the high endemism — species found nowhere else on Earth — in these environments.
Functionalized Nanoplastics (NPs) Increase the Toxicity of Metals in Fish Cell Lines
Researchers tested whether functionalized nanoplastics increase the toxicity of metals like arsenic and methylmercury in fish cell lines. The study found that amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles were the most cytotoxic on their own and significantly enhanced the toxic effects of metals when combined, suggesting that nanoplastics can act as carriers that amplify the harm of co-occurring pollutants.
Static headspace-gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the assessment of the bioaccumulation of volatile organic compounds associated with microplastics in animal tissues
Researchers developed an analytical method using headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to detect volatile organic compounds that migrate from microplastics into animal tissues. The technique demonstrated high sensitivity and precision while requiring minimal sample handling. The methodology provides a valuable tool for understanding how chemical compounds associated with microplastics accumulate in living organisms.
Understanding How Chemical Pollutants Arise and Evolve in the Beer Brewing Process: A Scoping Review
This review examined the scientific literature on chemical pollutants that can arise during the beer brewing process, including heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microplastics. Researchers found that contamination can enter at multiple stages from raw ingredients through packaging. The study identifies key knowledge gaps and suggests that more systematic monitoring is needed to ensure beer safety as new pollutant sources like microplastics gain attention.
Effects of polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics on Dicentrarchus labrax
Researchers exposed European sea bass to polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics for 96 hours and found upregulation of lipid metabolism genes, reduced esterase activity in plasma, and lower alkaline phosphatase in skin mucus — collectively suggesting nanoplastics can interfere with both fat metabolism and immune function in marine fish.
Effects of nanoplastics on Mytilus galloprovincialis after individual and combined exposure with carbamazepine
Researchers exposed Mediterranean mussels to polystyrene nanoplastics alone and combined with the pharmaceutical carbamazepine, finding that nanoplastics at even low concentrations trigger oxidative damage, cholinesterase inhibition, and genotoxicity, while combined exposure altered gene expression differently than single-contaminant exposures.
Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem
This study presents a global analysis showing that groundwater is a foundational ecosystem that supports over half of the world's land surface areas, yet it remains largely overlooked in conservation efforts. Researchers argue that groundwater should be recognized as a keystone ecosystem because its health directly influences rivers, wetlands, and other surface habitats. The findings call for including groundwater in global biodiversity protection frameworks before further depletion and pollution cause irreversible damage.
Development of a Fast and Efficient Strategy Based on Nanomagnetic Materials to Remove Polystyrene Spheres from the Aquatic Environment
Researchers developed magnetic nanoparticles coated with silver and an amino acid that can remove polystyrene microplastics from water with 100% efficiency in just 15 minutes. The approach works at room temperature and neutral pH, offering a fast and practical strategy for cleaning microplastic-contaminated water using simple magnetic separation.
Immunotoxicological effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid on European seabass are reduced by polyethylene microplastics
Researchers fed European seabass diets containing the industrial chemical PFOS, polyethylene microplastics, or both combined, and measured immune system effects. Surprisingly, they found that when PFOS was adsorbed onto microplastics, its toxic effects on the fish immune system were actually reduced compared to PFOS exposure alone. The study suggests that microplastics may sometimes limit the bioavailability of certain chemical pollutants, though the overall environmental implications remain complex.
Understanding How Chemical Pollutants Arise and Evolve in the Brewing Supply Chain: A Scoping Review
Researchers reviewed the scientific literature on chemical pollutants found throughout the beer brewing process, including microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, and phthalates. They found that while many contaminants enter through raw materials, packaging, and brewery equipment, key brewing steps like boiling and fermentation significantly reduce pollutant levels. The study notes that residual contaminant levels typically fall below international regulatory limits, but highlights the need for ongoing monitoring.
Microplastics from the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Functional and Clinical Endocrine Exposure to Human Health. Systematic Review.
This systematic review summarizes research on microplastics found in fish and seafood from the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, focusing on potential hormonal and health effects in humans. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination in popular seafood species may expose consumers to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which could interfere with hormones and overall health.
Effect of Abiotic Treatments on Agricultural Plastic Waste: Efficiency of the Degradation Processes
Researchers tested different degradation treatments on four types of agricultural plastic films, including UV radiation, electron beam radiation, and thermochemical approaches. They found that combining multiple treatments was more effective at breaking down the plastics than any single method alone. The study provides practical insights into which approaches work best for accelerating the degradation of common agricultural plastic waste.