Papers

Microplastics in Asian rivers: Geographical distribution, most detected types, and inconsistency in methodologies

A systematic review of 228 studies on microplastics in Asian rivers found polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET as the dominant polymers, primarily as fibers and fragments, with research concentrated in China and Japan. The diversity of sampling methods and reporting metrics across studies complicates comparative analysis, underscoring the need for standardized analytical frameworks in the region.

Systematic Review on Indoor Microplastics: Unveiling Sources, Exposure Pathways, and Human Health Implications

This systematic review reveals that indoor environments are a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure. People spend most of their time indoors, where microplastics shed from textiles, furniture, and packaging accumulate in dust and air, meaning your home and office may be major contributors to the microplastics you breathe and ingest daily.

Beyond surface: Unveiling ecological and economic ramifications of microplastic pollution in the oceans

This review examines the ecological and economic damage caused by microplastic pollution in the world's oceans, where 400 million metric tons of plastic waste are generated annually. The paper argues that international legislation and a global plastics treaty are essential to shift toward a circular plastics economy and prevent further harm to marine ecosystems. Without decisive action, microplastic pollution will continue to threaten both ocean health and the communities that depend on marine resources.

Tackling microplastics pollution in global environment through integration of applied technology, policy instruments, and legislation

This review examines the global microplastics pollution problem and evaluates solutions combining technology, policy, and legislation. Current water treatment technologies like membrane bioreactors can remove microplastics, but no single approach is sufficient. The authors call for coordinated international action combining better detection methods, cleanup technologies, and stronger regulations to address plastic pollution in both water and land environments.

Invisible Threats: Microplastics in Milk and Their Implications for Human and Animal Health

Microplastic toxicity in fish: A potential review on sources, impacts, and solution

This review summarizes research on how microplastics affect fish health, covering sources of contamination, physical damage, hormonal disruption, and behavioral changes. Microplastics accumulate in fish tissues and can concentrate up the food chain, with potential toxic effects passing on to humans who eat contaminated seafood. The authors discuss possible solutions including better waste management, biodegradable alternatives, and advanced water treatment.

A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN HORMONES IN CONSUMER NEUROSCIENCE AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR RESEARCH: TRENDS AND INSIGHTS WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR MARKETING

This bibliometric analysis of 218 articles found growing research interest in how human hormones like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins influence consumer behavior and marketing decisions. Despite the attention, the intersection of happiness hormones and marketing remains largely unexplored, with the United States leading publication output in this emerging interdisciplinary field.

Sources and impacts of microplastic on the world’s longest sea beach of the Bay of Bengal coasts: a review on microplastic management

This review summarizes microplastic pollution along the Bay of Bengal, the world's longest sea beach, covering sources, distribution, and impacts on the coastal ecosystem. Microplastics in this region come from fishing, tourism, shipping, and urban runoff, and they threaten both marine life and the communities that depend on sea products. The authors call for stronger policies and more long-term research to protect this important ecosystem and reduce human exposure through seafood.

Microplastics and nanoplastics: Recent literature studies and patents on their removal from aqueous environment

This review surveyed recent research and 42 international patents on technologies for removing microplastics and nanoplastics from water, categorizing methods into filtration, capture-based, and degradation approaches. Removal efficiencies between 58% and 100% were reported across techniques including coagulation, membrane filtration, photocatalytic degradation, and microbial breakdown. The study highlights that while promising methods exist, each has limitations depending on factors like plastic type, water chemistry, and particle size.

Critical review on airborne microplastics: An indoor air contaminant of emerging concern

This review summarizes existing research on microplastics floating in indoor air, finding that synthetic textiles, flooring materials, and increased use of plastic protective equipment since the pandemic are major sources. Indoor microplastic levels can be higher than outdoor levels, and inhaling these particles has been linked to respiratory, immune, and nervous system concerns. The findings highlight that people face significant microplastic exposure simply from breathing the air in their own homes and workplaces.

Transforming pollution into solutions: A bibliometric analysis and sustainable strategies for reducing indoor microplastics while converting to value-added products

This review maps the research landscape of indoor microplastic pollution, which comes from everyday items like synthetic clothing, furniture, and packaging. People are constantly exposed to these tiny particles through indoor air and dust, with early evidence linking them to respiratory and digestive health issues. The study also highlights promising approaches for converting captured microplastic waste into useful products like biofuels and construction materials.

Airborne microplastic/nanoplastic research: a comprehensive Web of Science (WoS) data-driven bibliometric analysis

This bibliometric analysis maps the landscape of research on airborne microplastics and nanoplastics published between 2015 and 2021, finding rapid growth in the field driven largely by research funding. China, England, the USA, and European countries led in research output, while studies focused on how airborne microplastics travel, deposit in environments, and contaminate indoor spaces. The review highlights that understanding airborne microplastic exposure is critical for assessing human health risks from inhaling these particles.

Turning plastics/microplastics into valuable resources? Current and potential research for future applications

This review summarizes existing research on ways to convert plastic and microplastic waste into useful products, including battery components, 3D printing materials, and fuels. Innovative recycling techniques like induction-heated pyrolysis show promise for more efficient plastic processing. While the focus is on recycling solutions rather than health effects, reducing the amount of plastic waste that breaks down into microplastics in the environment would lower human exposure over time.

The Role of Conventional Methods and Artificial Intelligence in the Wastewater Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

This review provides a comprehensive overview of both conventional and artificial intelligence-based approaches to wastewater treatment, covering methods for removing contaminants including microplastics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. Researchers found that AI and machine learning tools can optimize treatment processes, predict outcomes, and reduce costs compared to traditional trial-and-error approaches. The study highlights how digital technologies are transforming water treatment to meet growing demands for clean water.

A review on the occurrence, analytical methods, and impact of microplastics in the environment

This review summarizes what is known about microplastic pollution across soil, water, and air environments, including how scientists detect and measure these particles. The evidence shows microplastics can disrupt immune function, cause nerve damage, and contribute to other health problems in living organisms. The authors note that research methods still need standardization, but the existing data clearly points to microplastics as a serious and growing threat to human health.

Ventilation strategies for mitigating airborne infection in healthcare facilities: A review and bibliometric analysis (1993–2022)

Microplastics in Malaysia's Aquatic Environment: Current Overview and Future Perspectives

This review summarizes microplastic research across Malaysia's rivers, coastal waters, seafood, and sediments, finding widespread contamination in all aquatic environments studied. Fibers and fragments from everyday plastic products were the most common types found. The authors highlight that Malaysians face significant microplastic exposure through seafood consumption and call for better pollution monitoring and waste management policies.

Assessing the concentration, distribution and characteristics of suspended microplastics in the Malaysian indoor environment

Researchers measured airborne microplastic levels inside offices, classrooms, apartments, and homes across Malaysia over six weeks. Microplastics were found in every indoor environment tested, with fibers being the most common type, and people in homes were estimated to inhale more microplastics daily than those in offices or classrooms. The findings highlight that indoor air is a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure for people.

Microplastics in the environment: Recent developments in characteristic, occurrence, identification and ecological risk

This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic pollution across oceans, freshwater, soil, and the atmosphere, examining their sources, movement patterns, and ecological risks. Researchers found that while coastal environments have been well studied, much less is known about microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. The study synthesizes data on microplastic toxicity, bioaccumulation in organisms, and environmental fate to support better risk assessment.

Implications of climate change on water quality and sanitation in climate hotspot locations: A case study in Indonesia

This review assesses water quality challenges in Indonesia, where 70% of rivers are heavily polluted and only 10% of rainfall reaches groundwater. Water availability has dropped sharply, with a supply deficit of 5.5 cubic hectometers per year. While focused on broader water quality issues including industrial and domestic waste, the findings illustrate how inadequate water infrastructure in climate-vulnerable regions leaves populations exposed to emerging contaminants like microplastics.

Microplastics pollution in different aquatic environments and biota: A review of recent studies

This review provides a comprehensive summary of microplastic pollution across marine and freshwater environments, covering sources, detection methods, and biological impacts. Researchers found that microplastics are present in diverse forms including fragments, fibers, and foams, and are ingested by a wide range of aquatic species. The study highlights the need for improved detection techniques and more research on the effects of microplastic ingestion on both wildlife and humans.

Evolution, Prospects, and Predicaments of Polymers in Marine Applications: A Potential Successor to Traditional Materials

This review examines the growing use of polymer materials in marine applications such as boat hulls, offshore structures, and underwater equipment, where their light weight and corrosion resistance offer advantages over traditional metals. Researchers also discuss the environmental downsides, including the potential release of microplastics and chemicals as these materials degrade in seawater. The study calls for developing more sustainable polymer formulations that balance performance with reduced environmental impact.

A review on plastic waste valorisation to advanced materials: Solutions and technologies to curb plastic waste pollution

Insight into photocatalysis technology as a promising approach to tackle microplastics pollution through degradation and upcycling