Papers

Sources, environmental fate, and impacts of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils: A comprehensive review

This review examines how microplastics from fertilizers, irrigation, and atmospheric fallout are contaminating agricultural soils worldwide. Once in the soil, microplastics interact with soil organisms, disrupt plant growth, and can carry other harmful chemicals deeper into the environment. Because these tiny plastics can move up the food chain, they represent a growing threat to both food safety and human health.

Microplastic characteristics, transport, risks, and remediation in groundwater: a review

Microplastics in shucked bivalve products from Vietnam: Presence, characteristics, human exposure, and risk assessment

RETRACTED: Organic composts as A vehicle for the entry of microplastics into the environment: A comprehensive review

This retracted review examined how organic compost can introduce microplastics into agricultural soil, finding that compost contained up to thousands of microplastic particles per kilogram. The microplastics in compost come from plastic packaging fragments, synthetic fibers, and other contaminants in the source waste. While the paper was retracted, the underlying concern remains valid: composting may be an overlooked pathway for microplastic contamination of farmland.

Ecotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics on aquatic algae: Facts, challenges, and future opportunities

This review provides a comprehensive assessment of how micro- and nanoplastics harm aquatic algae, which form the base of ocean and freshwater food chains. The toxic effects include reduced growth, oxidative stress, and disrupted photosynthesis, with nanoplastics generally causing more damage than larger particles. Since algae support the entire aquatic food web, their decline from plastic pollution could reduce the quality and safety of fish and shellfish consumed by people.

Risk assessments of microplastic exposure in bivalves living in the coral reefs of Vietnam

Scientists measured microplastic contamination in shellfish living in coral reefs off the coast of Vietnam, finding an average of about 5.6 microplastic particles per individual. Polyethylene and polyamide fragments smaller than 100 micrometers were the most common types found. Since bivalves are filter feeders that people eat whole, these findings mean that consuming shellfish from these reefs involves direct ingestion of microplastics.

Microplastics toxicity in aquatic animals

This systematic review summarizes existing research on how microplastics harm aquatic animals across multiple species. The findings show microplastics can cause physical damage, oxidative stress, reproductive issues, and behavioral changes in fish, shellfish, and other water-dwelling creatures. Since many of these animals are part of the human food chain, their contamination represents an indirect health concern for people.

Global Occurrence and Environmental Fate of Microplastics in Stormwater Runoff: Unlock the In-depth Knowledge on Nature-Based Removal Strategies

Abundance of microplastics in cultured oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from Danang Bay of Vietnam

Researchers determined the quantity, shape, size, and polymer types of microplastics in cultured Pacific oysters from Danang Bay, Vietnam, using infrared microscopy. The study found an average of 1.88 particles per gram of wet weight, with fragments being the most prevalent shape at nearly 74%. The findings highlight that cultured shellfish in coastal environments accumulate microplastics, with implications for food safety.

A comprehensive review on ecological effects of microplastic pollution: An interaction with pollutants in the ecosystems and future perspectives

Succession of biochar addition for soil amendment and contaminants remediation during co-composting: A state of art review

Researchers reviewed how adding biochar during composting improves soil health and reduces contaminants, finding that co-composting with biochar can remediate heavy metals by 66–95% and also adsorb emerging organic pollutants like microplastics and pesticides, though some changes to soil microbial communities may inadvertently favor pathogens.

Microplastic and microcystin in tropical drinking water reservoir: pollution characteristics and human health risk assessment

Researchers surveyed microplastic and cyanobacterial toxin levels in a tropical drinking water reservoir in Vietnam over a one-year period. They found microplastics at all sampling sites, predominantly polypropylene and polyethylene fibers, with high polymer hazard scores despite low overall pollution levels. The co-occurrence of microplastics and microcystin toxins across the reservoir highlights the need for research on how these contaminants interact in freshwater drinking water sources.

Microplastics occurrence, contamination, and effects on human health—a critical review

This critical review examined the occurrence of microplastics in the food chain and their potential effects on human health. The authors found that microplastics enter the body through food packaging and bioaccumulation in animals and plants, and may contribute to oxidative stress and immune system disruption. The review emphasizes the need for greater understanding of microplastic toxicity mechanisms in humans.

Household-Level Strategies to Tackle Plastic Waste Pollution in a Transitional Country

Researchers surveyed 730 Vietnamese households on plastic waste management strategies, finding that waste sorting, environmental fund contributions, and willingness to relocate from polluted areas varied based on socioeconomic factors and environmental awareness.

Loofah plant—Derived biodegradable superhydrophobic sponge for effective removal of oil and microplastic from water

Researchers developed biodegradable superhydrophobic sponges from loofah plants coated with natural wax that removed over 99% of oil and polystyrene microplastics from water, with high absorption capacity and excellent recyclability through simple squeezing.

Micro-debris Accumulated in Marine Fishes Collected from Central Vietnam: Characteristics and Implication for Human Health Risk

Microplastics in the atmosphere: transportation and impact on humans

This chapter reviews the origins, atmospheric transport, distribution, and characterization of airborne microplastics. The authors note that microplastics have been detected in urban, suburban, and remote regions, raising the possibility of long-distance atmospheric transport. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps about the global distribution and health risks of airborne microplastics due to limitations in detection technologies and sampling methods.

Mechanical recycling of plastic waste as a point source of microplastic pollution

Researchers found that mechanical recycling of plastic waste is a significant point source of microplastic pollution, releasing plastic fragments into wastewater during washing, shredding, and processing stages of the recycling chain.

Global challenges in microplastics: From fundamental understanding to advanced degradations toward sustainable strategies

This review examined global challenges in microplastic research — from environmental entry pathways and fate to human health impacts — and discussed potential degradation strategies, concluding that a combination of photocatalysis, biodegradation, and policy measures will be needed for sustainable management.

Policy and Regulatory Approaches to Mitigating Micro- and Nano Plastic Pollution

This chapter reviews policy and regulatory approaches to addressing microplastic and nanoplastic pollution globally. The study examines existing regulations, treatment technologies, and prevention strategies including product design modifications and improved waste management. The authors emphasize that effective governance requires collaboration among stakeholders and continued research, particularly on nanoplastics and human health impacts.

Microplastic accumulation in bivalves collected from different coastal areas of Vietnam and an assessment of potential risks

Researchers analyzed microplastic accumulation in five common bivalve species collected from aquaculture areas along the coast of Vietnam, finding microplastics in all samples with an average of about 10.84 items per individual. Fibers were the most common shape, concentrated in gills and digestive glands, and a risk assessment suggested potential implications for human health through seafood consumption.

Microplastic in Corbicula sp. collected from Ba Be Reservoir

Researchers sampled freshwater clams (Corbicula sp.) from Ba Be Reservoir in Vietnam, finding microplastics in all individuals at densities of 5–11 particles per animal, with fibers, polypropylene, and PET as the dominant types, establishing a baseline for this understudied region.

Unlocking accurate microplastic data: Advanced pump systems for diverse aquatic environments

This study developed the MiPCS Pump, an innovative sampling system for collecting microplastics from diverse aquatic environments including rivers, coastal waters, and sediment interfaces. The pump system improved collection efficiency and reduced contamination compared to conventional grab sampling, offering a more accurate tool for aquatic microplastic monitoring.

Advances in the Genus Ulva Research: From Structural Diversity to Applied Utility

This review synthesized current knowledge on the macroalga Ulva (sea lettuce) covering its structural diversity, biochemical composition, ecological roles, and applied uses in food, biofuel, and bioremediation. The review highlighted Ulva's potential as a bioindicator of microplastic and pollutant contamination in coastal environments.