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Papers
138 resultsShowing papers from University of Zagreb
ClearBiodegradation Properties of Cellulose Fibers and PLA Biopolymer
Researchers tested how quickly natural fibers like hemp, jute, and sisal break down in soil compared to PLA bioplastic, which is often marketed as eco-friendly. The natural cellulose fibers degraded significantly within days, while PLA broke down much more slowly. This matters because slow-degrading bioplastics can still fragment into microplastics, meaning they may not be the environmental solution many assume.
Fragmentation of polypropylene into microplastics promoted by photo-aging; release of metals, toxicity and inhibition of biodegradability
This study showed that when polypropylene plastic ages in sunlight, it fragments into microplastics much faster and releases metal contaminants that were originally added during manufacturing. The resulting particles and chemical leachates were toxic to aquatic organisms and resistant to biodegradation, meaning aged plastics in the environment are more hazardous than fresh ones.
Microplastics in the Perinatal Period: Emerging Evidence on Maternal Exposure, Placental Transfer, and Fetal Health Outcomes
This review summarizes emerging evidence that microplastics can cross the placenta and reach developing babies, having been detected in maternal blood, placental tissue, amniotic fluid, cord blood, and breast milk. The tiny plastic particles may damage the placenta, disrupt hormones, alter immune responses, and potentially affect fetal growth and brain development. While more research is needed, the findings raise serious concerns about microplastic exposure during pregnancy and its implications for infant health.
Understanding microplastic retention in surface flow constructed wetlands: The impact of aquatic macrophytes
This study tested how well constructed wetlands with different aquatic plants retain three common types of microplastics: polyethylene beads, tire wear particles, and synthetic fibers. Plants with complex leaf structures trapped more microplastics than simpler plants or unvegetated areas. The findings suggest that planted wetlands could serve as a nature-based solution for filtering microplastics from water before they reach rivers and drinking water sources.
Evaluation of Fenton, Photo-Fenton and Fenton-like Processes in Degradation of PE, PP, and PVC Microplastics
Scientists tested whether Fenton-based chemical processes, which use iron and hydrogen peroxide to create powerful cleaning reactions, could break down common microplastics in water. They found that the photo-Fenton process (using UV light) was effective at degrading polyethylene and PVC microplastics, but polypropylene was resistant to all treatments. This research is important because it explores practical ways to destroy microplastics in water treatment, though not all plastic types respond equally.
Phytotoxic Effects of Polystyrene and Polymethyl Methacrylate Microplastics on Allium cepa Roots
Researchers exposed onion roots to polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate microplastics at various concentrations and observed toxic effects on root growth and cellular health. Both types of microplastics caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disrupted cell division in the root tips. The study provides evidence that common plastic particles in soil can directly harm plant root development at the cellular level.
Ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics on higher plant Vicia faba
Researchers exposed fava bean root tips to polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics and found reduced biomass, increased oxidative stress, and genetic damage in the plant cells. The smaller nanoplastic particles caused more severe effects than the larger microplastics. The study suggests that plastic particle contamination in soil may threaten plant health at the cellular and genetic level.
Toxicological effects of polystyrene microplastics on earthworm (Eisenia fetida)
Researchers exposed earthworms to two sizes of polystyrene microplastics in soil for 14 days and found evidence of intestinal cell damage, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The larger particles accumulated more in earthworm intestines, while both sizes triggered changes in key antioxidant markers. The study demonstrates that microplastic contamination in soil can cause measurable biological harm to important soil organisms.
Biotechnology Advances in Bioremediation of Arsenic: A Review
This review covers biotechnology advances in cleaning up arsenic contamination using microbes and plants as natural remediation tools. Researchers highlight how microbial bioremediation and phytoremediation offer sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional chemical cleanup methods. The findings are relevant to addressing arsenic pollution from mining, agriculture, and industrial waste in soils and water.
Microplastics - Back to Reality: Impact of Pristine and Aged Microplastics in Soil on Earthworm <i>Eisenia fetida</i> under Environmentally Relevant Conditions
Researchers compared the effects of new versus sunlight-aged polyethylene microplastics on earthworms at real-world contamination levels, finding that aged particles caused more harm. The aged microplastics accumulated more in earthworm guts, caused greater tissue damage, and shifted gut bacteria away from beneficial species toward harmful ones. This is significant because most microplastics in the environment have been aged by sunlight, meaning their actual impact on soil health and the food chain may be worse than lab studies using fresh plastics suggest.
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.
Effect of Aging on Physicochemical Properties and Size Distribution of PET Microplastic: Influence on Adsorption of Diclofenac and Toxicity Assessment
Researchers studied how environmental aging changes the physical and chemical properties of PET microplastics and their ability to absorb pharmaceutical pollutants. They found that aged microplastics had rougher surfaces and greater capacity to adsorb diclofenac, a common pain medication found in waterways. The study suggests that weathered microplastics may act as more effective carriers of pharmaceutical contaminants in the environment compared to fresh plastics.
The future for Mediterranean wetlands: 50 key issues and 50 important conservation research questions
Researchers used a Delphi-style expert process to identify 50 key threats and 50 priority research questions for Mediterranean wetlands through 2050, flagging plastic pollution, dam proliferation, desalination expansion, and antimicrobial resistance as major overlooked or underappreciated challenges to wetland conservation.
Influence of Aging on the Physical Properties of Knitted Polymeric Materials
Researchers exposed knitted polyester fabrics made from both conventional and recycled yarns to natural weathering and measured changes in their physical properties. They found that aging reduced fabric thickness, strength, and stretch, with recycled materials showing the largest decreases in strength and elongation. The findings suggest that as synthetic clothing wears down over time, it may release more microfibers into the environment.
Potential Impact of Microplastics and Additives on the Health Status of Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) Stranded Along the Central Adriatic Coast
Researchers performed necropsies on loggerhead sea turtles stranded on Italy's Adriatic coast and found microplastics as small as 0.45 micrometers in all animals, along with plastic additives like BPA detected in liver and fat tissue — demonstrating that microplastics and their chemical additives penetrate deep into the organs of marine wildlife.
An Atomic‐Level Perspective on the interactions between Organic Pollutants and PET particles: A Comprehensive Computational Investigation
Using advanced computational methods, researchers studied how organic pollutants interact with PET microplastic particles at the atomic level. The study found that pollutants bind to PET surfaces mainly through weak intermolecular forces, and that the specific chemical structure of both the pollutant and the plastic surface determines how strongly they attach.
Beach wracks microbiome and its putative function in plastic polluted Mediterranean marine ecosystem
This study examined the microbial communities living on beach debris, including seagrass and plastic waste, along Mediterranean coastlines. Researchers found that while the bacterial communities on plastics were shaped more by beach conditions than by the type of plastic, these biofilms contained both plastic-degrading bacteria and potential human pathogens.
Effect of Biodegradable Nonwoven Mulches from Natural and Renewable Sources on Lettuce Cultivation
Researchers tested biodegradable nonwoven mulch fabrics made from natural fibers as an alternative to conventional plastic agricultural films for lettuce cultivation. They found that these natural mulches performed comparably to plastic films in promoting plant growth while avoiding the soil contamination associated with traditional plastic mulch. The study suggests that biodegradable nonwoven mulches could reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
Green Techniques for Detecting Microplastics in Marine with Emphasis on FTIR and NIR Spectroscopy—Short Review
This review covers green detection methods for microplastics in marine environments, with a focus on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and near-infrared spectroscopy. Researchers found these techniques offer more efficient and accurate analysis compared to traditional visual inspection and manual sorting. The study highlights the importance of developing reliable, environmentally friendly detection methods as concerns about microplastic contamination in seafood grow.
Impact of Polylactic Acid Fibers in Cellulose Nonwoven Mulch Blends on Biodegradability and Performance—An Open Field Study
This field study tested biodegradable nonwoven mulches made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, and viscose as alternatives to traditional plastic agricultural film. Researchers found that adding polylactic acid (PLA) fibers to the blends slowed degradation, which could help the mulches last longer during the growing season but may delay their complete breakdown in soil.
An Integrated Comprehensive Peptidomics and In Silico Analysis of Bioactive Peptide-Rich Milk Fermented by Three Autochthonous Cocci Strains
Researchers used three bacterial strains isolated from artisanal dairy products to ferment milk and then analyzed the bioactive peptides produced using advanced peptidomics techniques. They identified numerous peptides with potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and blood-pressure-lowering properties. The study suggests that fermented dairy products made with these specific starter cultures could serve as functional foods with health-supporting benefits.
Characterization of Nanoparticles in Antimicrobial Coatings for Medical Applications—A Review
This review covers the different types of nanoparticles used in antimicrobial coatings for medical and dental devices, including silver, copper, and zinc-based materials. Researchers discuss the methods used to characterize these coatings and ensure they are effective against drug-resistant microorganisms. The study emphasizes the importance of thorough testing to confirm the safety and performance of these coatings in healthcare settings.
Physiological responses of Lemna minor to polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate microplastics
Researchers exposed duckweed plants to two types of microplastics — polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) — and found surprisingly opposite effects: PS microplastics actually promoted plant growth, while PMMA microplastics damaged chloroplasts and stunted growth, showing that plastic type matters greatly for environmental harm.
Macroissues with Microplastics: A Review on Distribution, Environmental Impacts, Pollutant Interactions, Toxicity, Analytical Methodology and Mitigation Strategies
This comprehensive review covers the global problem of microplastic pollution, examining how these tiny plastic particles are distributed across oceans, freshwater, soil, air, and even remote areas worldwide. Researchers summarized the toxic effects of microplastics on living organisms, their interactions with other pollutants, and current methods for detecting and quantifying them. The study also evaluates potential remediation and reduction strategies for controlling microplastic contamination in the environment.