Papers

Trophic-level accumulation and transfer of legacy and emerging contaminants in marine biota: meta-analysis of mercury, PCBs, microplastics, PFAS, PAHs

This meta-analysis found that microplastics and PAHs show strong bioaccumulation with increasing trophic level and lifespan in marine species, alongside legacy pollutants like mercury and PCBs. Microplastics displayed clear biomagnification patterns across all trophic levels, highlighting their persistence and potential to disrupt marine food webs over multiple generations.

Micro- and nano-plastics pollution in the marine environment: Progresses, drawbacks and future guidelines

This review summarizes the current state of micro- and nanoplastic pollution in the world's oceans, estimating that 50 to 75 trillion plastic particles are present in marine environments. The pollution threatens 17% of marine species and causes billions of dollars in economic losses, while also entering the human food chain through seafood consumption.

Special Distribution of Nanoplastics in the Central Nervous System of Zebrafish during Early Development

Researchers injected fluorescent nanoplastics into zebrafish embryos and found the particles became trapped in the brain, eyes, and spinal cord during early development and stayed there rather than moving to other organs. Although the nanoplastics did not embed directly in nerve cells, they still disrupted brain signaling and reduced larval movement, suggesting early-life nanoplastic exposure could interfere with nervous system development.

Effects of Vermicompost on Soil and Plant Health and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

This review highlights vermicompost (worm-processed compost) as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for grain crops, improving soil quality, nutrient availability, and pest resistance. Vermicomposting can also help break down organic contaminants and emerging pollutants in soil. The approach is relevant to the microplastics challenge because healthier soils with more organic matter may better buffer against microplastic contamination.

Metabolic Reprogramming in Gut Microbiota Exposed to Polystyrene Microplastics

This pilot study exposed common gut bacteria to polystyrene microplastics in the lab and found that the plastics reduced bacterial growth in a dose-dependent manner and disrupted key metabolic pathways. When gut bacteria from mice were tested, microplastic exposure shifted the microbial community balance, reducing beneficial species. These results suggest that microplastics ingested through food and water could alter the gut microbiome, which plays an important role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Atmospheric microplastics: A review on current status and perspectives

This review summarizes current knowledge about microplastics detected in the atmosphere of urban, suburban, and remote areas around the world. Researchers found that airborne microplastic concentrations vary by one to three orders of magnitude across different locations, with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes. The study highlights the need for standardized sampling methods and further research to understand how atmospheric microplastics affect human health.

Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon

This review examines the conservation status of marine mammals, which play important ecological roles and serve as indicators of ocean health. The researchers found that at least 25% of marine mammal species are classified as threatened, facing risks from climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution, and maritime development. The study outlines research priorities and conservation strategies needed to protect at-risk species while building on recent recovery successes.

Mercury Contamination and Co‑exposures in the Amazon Basin: At the Center of the Planetary Environmental Crisis

This review synthesizes recent evidence on mercury contamination in the Amazon basin and its effects on the health of Indigenous and traditional communities. Researchers found consistent associations between mercury exposure and neurocognitive impairments, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic problems. The study also highlights emerging co-exposures to microplastics and agrochemicals in the region, raising concerns about synergistic toxic effects that remain poorly understood.

Assessing Variability in Children’s Exposure to Contaminants in Food: A Longitudinal Non-Targeted Analysis Study in Miami, Florida

This longitudinal study screened food consumed by families with small children in South Florida for anthropogenic contaminants using advanced non-targeted chemical analysis. Researchers identified numerous chemicals in everyday foods, with variation across seasons and socio-economic groups, underscoring the importance of monitoring food as a route of chemical exposure, especially for young children.

Microbiomes of Thalassia testudinum throughout the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico are influenced by site and region while maintaining a core microbiome

Researchers characterized the microbial communities living on the seagrass Thalassia testudinum across the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico for the first time. They found that while local environmental conditions influenced the specific bacterial species present, a core set of microorganisms was consistently associated with the seagrass across all regions. The study provides important baseline data for understanding how seagrass health may be linked to its microbial partners.

Fate and Transport of Heavy Metals in Soil, Surface Water, and Groundwater: Implications for Environmental Management

This review examined how heavy metals like chromium, arsenic, and cadmium move through soil, surface water, and groundwater, focusing on the sources and mechanisms that control their spread. Researchers found that mining, industrial discharge, and agricultural activities are the primary human-caused sources, with soil type and climate conditions strongly influencing how metals move and how available they become to living organisms. The study underscores the urgent need for effective remediation technologies and regulatory frameworks to protect ecosystems and human health from heavy metal contamination.

An Integrated Metabolomics-Based Model, and Identification of Potential Biomarkers, of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos

Researchers used advanced metabolomics techniques to study how the industrial chemical PFOS affects zebrafish embryo development at the molecular level. They identified specific metabolic disruptions and potential biomarkers that could indicate early PFOS exposure. The study provides new insights into how persistent environmental pollutants like PFAS interfere with biological processes during critical developmental stages.

In Vivo Tissue Distribution of Microplastics and Systemic Metabolomic Alterations After Gastrointestinal Exposure

Researchers fed mice a mixture of common microplastics and then tracked where the particles ended up in the body and how they affected metabolism. They found that ingested microplastics crossed the gut barrier and accumulated in the liver, kidneys, and other tissues, causing measurable changes in metabolic pathways. The study provides evidence that microplastic exposure through the digestive system can lead to widespread tissue distribution and systemic metabolic disruption in mammals.

Prioritization of Emerging Pollutants Used for Fingerprinting Specific Water Sources

Researchers investigated emerging pollutants, including microplastics, as fingerprinting tools for identifying specific water contamination sources. The study prioritized various synthetic organic compounds based on their potential for bioaccumulation and toxicological effects, aiming to improve monitoring and regulatory frameworks for water quality management.

Sentiment mapping of microplastic awareness in educational environments

Researchers surveyed 96 participants from diverse educational backgrounds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to assess public perceptions and awareness of microplastic pollution. Using sentiment analysis, hierarchical clustering, and machine learning techniques, the study found varying levels of understanding about microplastic environmental and health impacts across different educational settings.

Harmfulness Score: A Data‐Driven Framework for Ranking Environmental Risks of Microplastics

Researchers analyzed over 104,000 scientific abstracts on micro- and nanoplastics using bibliometric tools and machine learning to create a data-driven framework for ranking environmental risks. The resulting Harmfulness Score ranked polystyrene and polyethylene as the highest-risk polymers based on their association with oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in the scientific literature.

Global Insights into Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution in Surface Water: A Review

This review analyzed 194 published studies on micro- and nanoplastic pollution across marine, freshwater, and wastewater systems worldwide. Researchers found that the distribution of these particles is influenced by their physical and chemical properties as well as environmental conditions. The study assessed current sampling, detection, and removal techniques while identifying ecological risks and potential toxic effects on living organisms through direct and indirect exposure.

In vivo exposure of mixed microplastic particles in mice and its impacts on the murine gut microbiome and metabolome

Researchers exposed mice to a mixture of common microplastic types to investigate effects on the gut microbiome and metabolome. The study found that ingested microplastic particles altered gut microbial composition and disrupted metabolic pathways, suggesting that realistic mixed-microplastic exposure may have broader biological effects than single-polymer studies indicate.

Assessment of microplastics pollution in Biscayne Bay: Spatial distribution, tidal variability, and polymer hazard analysis

Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in Biscayne Bay, Florida, examining spatial distribution, the influence of tidal cycles, and potential hazards based on polymer type. They found an average abundance of approximately 7 particles per cubic meter of surface water, predominantly low-density polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The study indicates that tidal dynamics influence microplastic distribution in the bay and that certain polymer types pose greater ecological risks than others.

Occurrence, identification and removal of microplastic particles and fibers in conventional activated sludge process and advanced MBR technology

This study examined the occurrence, identification, and removal of microplastic particles and fibers in conventional drinking water treatment plants, finding that while treatment substantially reduced microplastic levels, complete removal was not achieved.

Temporal trends of water quality parameters, heavy metals, microplastics, and emerging organic pollutants in Lake Victoria and its basin: knowns, knowledge gaps, and future directions

Green Extraction Techniques as Advanced Sample Preparation Approaches in Biological, Food, and Environmental Matrices: A Review

This review evaluated green extraction techniques as sustainable alternatives to classical sample preparation methods across biological, food, and environmental matrices, highlighting approaches that improve analytical sensitivity while reducing solvent use and environmental impact.

Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in Coryphaena hippurus (mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration

Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae by first exposing rotifers to the particles and then feeding them to the larvae. Significant nanoplastic transfer and accumulation were observed, primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to areas containing vital organs like the heart and liver. A depuration study showed that while larvae could excrete substantial amounts, notable quantities remained retained, and intestinal tissue damage was observed.

Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in <i>Coryphaena hippurus</i> (Mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration

Researchers studied how nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae via contaminated rotifers. The study found significant nanoplastic accumulation primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to other body parts and persisting even after a depuration period, along with evidence of intestinal tissue damage in the larvae.