Papers

Unraveling the impact of nano-microscale polyethylene and polypropylene plastics on Nicotiana tabacum: Physiological responses and molecular mechanisms

Researchers exposed tobacco plants to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics of different sizes and found that both types suppressed plant growth in a dose-dependent manner, with polypropylene being more toxic. The microplastics disrupted photosynthesis, triggered oxidative stress, and altered hormone signaling and defense pathways in the plants. These findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination in soil can impair crop growth at the molecular level, potentially affecting agricultural productivity.

Aspergillus oryzae as a Cell Factory: Research and Applications in Industrial Production

This review covers how the fungus Aspergillus oryzae is being engineered as a biological factory for producing industrial enzymes and useful chemicals. While not about microplastics directly, engineered fungi like A. oryzae are being explored as potential tools for breaking down plastic waste through biological degradation. Advances in engineering these organisms could eventually contribute to reducing microplastic pollution in the environment.

Characterization of atmospheric microplastics: A case study in Shenzhen City, a southern coastal area of China

Researchers characterized airborne microplastics at ten locations across Shenzhen, a major coastal city in southern China. They found an average abundance of 2.22 particles per cubic meter, with higher concentrations in areas of intense human activity and at lower altitudes. The study identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester fibers as the most common types, and found that temperature and humidity influence airborne microplastic levels.

Microplastic Pollution in China’s Aquatic Systems: Spatial Distribution, Transport Pathways, and Controlling Strategies

This review synthesizes recent findings on microplastic pollution across China's rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters. Researchers found that contamination levels vary dramatically by location, with urban waterways showing the highest concentrations and polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymer types. The study identifies rivers as major transport pathways carrying microplastics from inland areas to the sea and evaluates strategies for reducing this pollution.

Genomic insights and metabolic pathways of an enriched bacterial community capable of degrading polyethylene

Researchers enriched bacteria from wastewater treatment sludge that can break down polyethylene plastic, achieving a 3% weight reduction in plastic films over 28 days. Genomic analysis identified specific bacterial strains and 14 plastic-degrading genes, including those for enzymes like laccase and lipase that attack the plastic's molecular structure. The study offers a potential pathway toward using naturally occurring bacteria as a sustainable solution for plastic waste degradation.

Nanoplastics impair growth and nitrogen fixation of marine nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria

Researchers found that nanoplastic exposure significantly reduces growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogen fixation in Crocosphaera watsonii — a key ocean nitrogen-fixer — suggesting that nanoplastic pollution could decrease new nitrogen input to marine ecosystems and impair ocean productivity and biogeochemical cycling.

Microplastic pollution in Chinese Rivers: A detailed analysis of distribution, risk factors, and ecological impact

Researchers aggregated data from 2,474 microplastic samples across 165 publications to assess ecological risk in Chinese rivers, finding widespread contamination with average abundance varying substantially by watershed characteristics. A revised risk assessment accounting for particle morphology and polymer toxicity raised concern levels beyond previous estimates.

Progresses in treatment processes and quantification strategies of micro- and nanoplastics

Research Progress on Source Analysis, Ecological Effects, and Separation Technology of Soil Microplastics

This review synthesizes recent progress on soil microplastic sources (primarily agricultural plastic mulch and wastewater irrigation), ecological impacts on soil structure and microbial communities, and available separation and detection technologies for assessing contamination.

Effects of disposable face mask microplastics on soil properties and microbial communities

Phytotests for assessing phytotoxicity of “Blue moon” liquid detergent: Lens culinaris seeds

Researchers found that 'Blue moon' liquid laundry detergent exhibited phytotoxicity to lentil seeds at various concentrations, demonstrating dose-dependent inhibition of germination and root/shoot development in phytotest assays.

A Biodegradable Bamboo-Based Foam as a Cleaner Alternative to Petroleum-Based Cushioning Materials for Sustainable Fruit Packaging

Scientists created a new packaging foam made from bamboo that works just as well as plastic foam for protecting fruit during shipping, but completely breaks down in compost instead of creating lasting waste. This matters because traditional plastic packaging foams don't decompose and break into tiny pieces called microplastics that can end up in our food and water. The bamboo foam could help reduce our exposure to these harmful plastic particles while still keeping our food safe during transport.

Technological Advancements in Field Investigations of Marine Microorganisms: From Sampling Strategies to Molecular Analyses

This is not a microplastics study; it reviews advances in field sampling and molecular analysis methods for studying marine microorganisms, covering omics technologies and in-situ sampling strategies for understanding ocean biogeochemical processes.

Modifications to sorption and sinking capability of microplastics after chlorination

Researchers found that chlorination disinfection at both low and high doses modified the surface chemistry of PE, PET, PS, and PVC microplastics, increasing surface area and reducing hydrophobicity while weakening their capacity to sorb contaminants like ciprofloxacin. The study concluded that chlorination generally reduces the role of microplastics as transport vectors for organic pollutants, though effects on buoyancy varied by polymer type.

Estimating the velocity of chemically-driven Janus colloids considering the anisotropic concentration field

This theoretical study calculated the self-propulsion velocity of Janus colloids — particles with two distinct chemical surfaces — driven by concentration gradients from their own chemical reactions. The anisotropic concentration field around the particle plays a key role in determining speed. Understanding active particle motion has implications for designing drug delivery systems and microplastic remediation using active colloids.