Papers

Sustainable coagulative removal of microplastic from aquatic systems: recent progress and outlook

This review examines how natural coagulants from plants, animals, and microbes can be used to remove microplastics from water as a greener alternative to conventional chemical treatments. These bio-based coagulants, especially when combined with nanotechnology, show promising removal rates while avoiding the toxic residues left by traditional chemical approaches.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Coagulation–Flocculation Treatment Using Aluminum Sulfate on a Polluted Surface Water Source: A Year-Long Study

This year-long study tested how well a common water treatment chemical (aluminum sulfate) removes pollutants from a heavily contaminated surface water source used for drinking water. While not focused on microplastics specifically, improving water treatment methods is important because polluted drinking water sources can carry contaminants, including microplastics, that pose risks to human health.

The Role of the Environment (Water, Air, Soil) in the Emergence and Dissemination of Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Perspective

This review examines how water, soil, and air act as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with microplastics highlighted as one of several agents that help spread drug-resistant genes across environments. The findings matter for human health because microplastics can carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater and agricultural runoff into water supplies and food systems.

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles for the Successful Removal of Safranine T Dye from Aqueous Solutions

Researchers created manganese ferrite nanoparticles that can efficiently remove Safranine T dye, a chemical that irritates skin and lungs, from water. The nanoparticles are reusable and can absorb large amounts of the dye under mild conditions. While not directly about microplastics, this type of nanoparticle technology is relevant to the broader challenge of removing tiny contaminants, including microplastics, from water supplies.

Toxicological Profile of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Microplastic in Ingested Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R+) and Its Adverse Effect on Behavior and Development

Researchers fed PET microplastics to fruit flies and found that the particles accumulated in their bodies and caused dose-dependent declines in movement, climbing ability, and survival rates. Higher microplastic concentrations also slowed the flies' development from larvae to adults. While fruit flies are a simple model organism, these behavioral and developmental effects suggest that chronic microplastic ingestion could impair neurological and physiological functions in animals exposed through their diet.

Functionalization of Strontium Ferrite Nanoparticles with Novel Chitosan–Schiff Base Ligand for Efficient Removal of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Media

Researchers developed a new magnetic nanocomposite made from strontium ferrite and a chitosan-based compound to remove lead from contaminated water. The material achieved over 98% lead removal efficiency under optimized conditions and could be easily recovered using a magnet for reuse. This approach offers a promising, recyclable tool for cleaning up heavy metal pollution in water sources.

A Critical Review on Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Composites as Advanced Materials for Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Organic Pollutants from Wastewater

This review evaluates the use of metal-organic frameworks and their composites for removing emerging organic pollutants from wastewater through adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. Researchers found that these advanced materials show high efficiency in capturing and breaking down endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other persistent contaminants. The study highlights the promise of metal-organic frameworks as a next-generation remediation technology for addressing water pollution.

Interaction of cyanobacteria and microplastics polystyrene spiked with pharmaceutical drug-paracetamol

Researchers studied the effects of polystyrene microplastics, both alone and loaded with the pharmaceutical drug paracetamol, on the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum. They found that polystyrene spiked with paracetamol caused greater adverse effects on growth and biochemical composition than the plastic alone. The study also revealed that the cyanobacterium produced degrading enzymes like laccase and esterase, suggesting it has some potential for bioremediation of plastic pollution.

Exploring the photocatalytic degradation mechanism for low-density polyethylene utilizing Bi4Ti3O12 nanoflower catalyst

Use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) stabilized in Arabic gum colloidal solution to induce genotoxicity and apoptosis of human breast and lung cancer cell lines

Researchers investigated multi-walled carbon nanotubes stabilized in Arabic gum as an anticancer agent, finding they induced significant genotoxicity and apoptosis in human breast and lung cancer cell lines while maintaining biocompatibility.

Separate and Simultaneous Effects of Silver Nanoparticles and Arsenic on the Taxonomic Diversity of Free-Living Marine Nematodes

Researchers found that silver nanoparticles and arsenic individually reduced abundance and diversity of marine nematode communities at high concentrations, but when combined, their toxicity was often attenuated, likely due to physical bonding between the two contaminants.

Microplastic Pollution in the Urban Water Cycle: A Comprehensive Review

This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics are widespread in urban water systems, including drinking water and bottled water, even after treatment at water facilities. While water treatment removes some microplastics, many still remain and could pose health risks to people who drink the water. The biggest problem is that scientists don't yet have consistent ways to measure these plastics or fully understand their long-term effects on human health.

Silica Nanoparticle Acute Toxicity on Male Rattus norvegicus Domestica: Ethological Behavior, Hematological Disorders, Biochemical Analyses, Hepato-Renal Function, and Antioxidant-Immune Response

Researchers assessed the acute toxicity of silica nanoparticles in male rats, finding significant hematological disorders, liver and kidney damage, oxidative stress, and immune system disruption at higher doses after 24 and 96 hours of exposure.

Material limitations in blood storage bags: A critical review of packaging-induced deterioration

This review examines how the materials used in blood storage bags, primarily PVC plasticized with DEHP, contribute to the degradation of stored blood products. The study highlights that plasticizer leaching, poor gas barrier properties, and the generation of micro- and nanoplastics actively accelerate blood product deterioration, and argues for a shift toward active, intelligent preservation systems using alternative materials.

Functionalization of Sodium Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide/Sodium Magnesium Silicate Hydrate Nanostructures Using 2,3-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde as a Novel Nanocomposite for the Efficient Removal of Cd(II) and Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Media

Researchers developed a novel nanocomposite by functionalizing sodium magnesium silicate nanostructures with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde for efficient removal of cadmium and copper ions from water, achieving high adsorption capacities through a cost-effective and reusable material.

An investigation of Ca-doped MgO nanoparticles for the improved catalytic degradation of thiamethoxam pesticide subjected to visible light irradiation

Researchers synthesized calcium-doped magnesium oxide nanoparticles and tested their ability to degrade the pesticide thiamethoxam under visible light. The doped nanoparticles achieved up to 80% degradation at optimal pH conditions, outperforming undoped magnesium oxide. The study suggests that calcium doping enhances the photocatalytic activity of metal oxide nanoparticles, offering a potential approach for environmental remediation of pesticide-contaminated water.

Converting Wastewater Sludge into Slow-Release Fertilizers via Biochar and Encapsulation Technologies

This review examined the conversion of wastewater sludge into slow-release and controlled-release fertilizers through biochar production and encapsulation technologies. The study found that sludge-derived fertilizers can recycle essential nutrients (N, P, K) while potentially reducing microplastic contamination concerns associated with direct sludge land application.

Toxicity and health impacts of emerging contaminants

How do polyethylene microplastics, ibuprofen, and sediment mud levels influence meiobenthic features and their interactions with CeO2-doped ZnO nanoparticles? Answers through nematode taxon/functional traits, allometry of Metoncholaimus pristiurus, and computational analyses

A 30-day microcosm experiment investigated how polyethylene microplastics, ibuprofen, and sediment mud levels individually and jointly affected free-living nematodes in benthic communities. Combined exposure altered nematode abundance, diversity, and functional traits more than single-pollutant exposures, with CeO₂-doped ZnO nanoparticles further modifying outcomes.

Assessment of soil microplastics: An overview on toxicity, effects on heavy metals adsorption, solid-phase extraction, and detection techniques

This review examined how microplastics in soil enter the food chain and pose human health risks, with particular attention to their role as carriers for heavy metals. Agricultural practices like plastic mulching and sewage sludge application were identified as major sources of soil MP contamination.

Decontamination of pollutants present in water, air, and soil through phytoremediation: a critical review

This critical review examines phytoremediation — the use of plants to remove contaminants from soil, water, and air — covering mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytodegradation, and rhizofiltration, and assessing their effectiveness for heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microplastics.

Toxicity Study of Textile Materials from Natural and Synthetic Polymers Using Bioassay Techniques: Sperm Motility Inhibition Test and Daphnia magna Acute Immobility Test

Eleven textile materials made from natural and synthetic polymers were assessed for toxicity using sperm motility inhibition tests with bull spermatozoa and Daphnia magna acute immobility tests. The comparative analysis found both methods provide useful but complementary information on textile extract toxicity.

Cutting-edge green nanoclay nanocomposites—fundamentals and technological opportunities for packaging, dye removal, and biomedical sectors

This review examines green nanoclay nanocomposites — combining natural polymers like polylactic acid, cellulose, and starch with layered silicate nanofillers — for use in packaging, dye removal, and biomedical applications. The authors discuss synthesis methods, mechanical and barrier properties, and the environmental advantages of these materials over conventional petroleum-based composites.

Green and Eco-Friendly Treatment of Textile Wastewater by Using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract Combined with a Silver Nitrate Solution

Textile industry wastewater was treated using combinations of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract and synthetic coagulants in two case studies, evaluating color and pollutant removal efficiency. The green coagulant combination showed effective performance, supporting its use as an eco-friendly supplement to conventional textile wastewater treatment.