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Papers
280 resultsShowing papers from Xiamen University
ClearUnlocking the combined impact of microplastics and emerging contaminants on fish: A review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis found that combined exposure to microplastics and emerging contaminants adversely affects fish reproduction, development, and neurotoxicity beyond what either pollutant causes alone. Microplastics with higher adsorption capacities led to more severe outcomes by concentrating and delivering co-contaminants, though exposure duration did not correlate with oxidative stress levels.
Threats to Terrestrial Plants from Emerging Nanoplastics
This meta-analysis examines how nanoplastics affect terrestrial plants, finding impacts on growth, nutrient uptake, and cellular function. The research matters for human health because plants that absorb nanoplastics from contaminated soil could transfer these particles into fruits and vegetables that end up on our plates.
Microplastics strengthen nitrogen retention by intensifying nitrogen limitation in mangrove ecosystem sediments
In a lab experiment simulating mangrove wetland sediments, microplastics altered nutrient cycling by intensifying nitrogen limitation, which changed how microbes processed nitrogen. While focused on environmental impacts, this matters because mangrove ecosystems are important coastal filters, and disrupting their nutrient cycles could affect downstream water quality and the health of seafood that humans consume.
Numeric uptake drives nanoplastic toxicity: Size-effects uncovered by toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) modeling
This study used mathematical models to predict how different sizes of nanoplastics accumulate in and harm tiny water organisms (Daphnia magna). The smallest nanoplastics (30 nanometers) were the most toxic because they spread throughout the body, while larger ones mostly stayed in the gut. This size-dependent toxicity pattern is important because it suggests that the tiniest plastic particles, which are hardest to detect, may pose the greatest health risks.
Size-Dependent Toxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics to <i>Tetrahymena thermophila</i>: A Toxicokinetic–Toxicodynamic Assessment
Researchers tested three sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics on single-celled organisms and found that smaller particles were significantly more toxic, with the smallest (30 nm) causing genetic damage at concentrations already found in some waterways. This size-dependent toxicity pattern is concerning because as plastics break down in the environment, they produce ever-smaller particles that may be increasingly harmful to living organisms.
Microplastics in water resources: Global pollution circle, possible technological solutions, legislations, and future horizon
This review summarizes the global scope of microplastic contamination in water and sediment, finding levels that vary enormously -- from near zero to thousands of particles per sample. Microplastics absorb other pollutants from their surroundings, potentially concentrating harmful chemicals, and they infiltrate food chains from the smallest organisms upward. The authors call for stronger legislation and a combination of technological innovation, recycling, and public awareness to address this widespread threat to ecosystems and human health.
Tackling microplastics pollution in global environment through integration of applied technology, policy instruments, and legislation
This review examines the global microplastics pollution problem and evaluates solutions combining technology, policy, and legislation. Current water treatment technologies like membrane bioreactors can remove microplastics, but no single approach is sufficient. The authors call for coordinated international action combining better detection methods, cleanup technologies, and stronger regulations to address plastic pollution in both water and land environments.
Beyond surface: Unveiling ecological and economic ramifications of microplastic pollution in the oceans
This review examines the ecological and economic damage caused by microplastic pollution in the world's oceans, where 400 million metric tons of plastic waste are generated annually. The paper argues that international legislation and a global plastics treaty are essential to shift toward a circular plastics economy and prevent further harm to marine ecosystems. Without decisive action, microplastic pollution will continue to threaten both ocean health and the communities that depend on marine resources.
Microplastic and associated emerging contaminants in marine fish from the South China Sea: Exposure and human risks
Researchers found microplastics in all 14 marine fish species tested from the South China Sea, along with antibiotics and PFAS chemicals. Fish with more microplastics in their guts also had higher levels of certain chemical contaminants in their flesh, suggesting microplastics may act as carriers that increase the amount of harmful chemicals in seafood consumed by humans.
Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy Reveals Bioaccumulation of Small Microplastics in Protozoa from Natural Waters
Using advanced imaging technology, scientists confirmed for the first time that single-celled organisms (protozoa) in natural water accumulate microplastics smaller than 10 micrometers inside their bodies. The protozoa concentrated these tiny plastics to levels thousands of times higher than the surrounding water. Since protozoa are at the base of many food chains, this bioaccumulation could transfer microplastics up to larger organisms, including fish and ultimately humans.
Take-out food enhances the risk of MPs ingestion and obesity, altering the gut microbiome in young adults
A study of 121 young adults found that those who frequently ordered takeout food had significantly higher levels of microplastics in their stool and higher body mass index (BMI). The high-microplastic group also showed changes in gut bacteria linked to poorer health, including increases in harmful species and decreases in beneficial ones. These findings suggest that takeout food packaging may be a meaningful source of microplastic exposure that could contribute to obesity risk.
Assessment of microplastics and heavy metal contamination in surficial sediments of Pasig River, Philippines during wet season
Scientists measured microplastic and heavy metal contamination in river sediments of the Pasig River in the Philippines, finding between 2,700 and 28,250 plastic particles per kilogram. Contamination was highest in urbanized areas, with polyester and polyethylene being the most common plastic types found. Since this river serves as a water source for nearby communities, the findings raise concerns about human exposure through contaminated water.
Integrated analysis of microplastics origins and impact on prominent aquaculture ecosystems in Bangladesh
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in aquaculture ponds in Bangladesh, finding widespread particles in both the water and farmed fish including tilapia and pangas. Fibers were the most common type, likely from textile and fishing net waste, and the contamination levels posed potential health risks to consumers. Since farmed fish is a major protein source in Bangladesh and many developing countries, these findings highlight a direct pathway for microplastics to reach people through their diet.
Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic modeling reveals the ecological risks of differently-sized polystyrene nanoplastics
Using advanced modeling, researchers determined safety thresholds for different sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics in aquatic organisms. Smaller nanoplastics (30 nm) were the most toxic, while 80 nm particles were unusually persistent because they accumulated at the highest levels and were eliminated the slowest. The study provides important data for setting environmental safety standards that could help protect both aquatic ecosystems and the humans who depend on them for food.
Tracing microplastics in marine fish: Ecological threats and human exposure in the Bay of Bengal
Researchers analyzed microplastics in nine fish species from the Bay of Bengal, finding an average of about 33 microplastic items per fish, mostly fibers. Bottom-dwelling and meat-eating fish had higher contamination levels, and the pollution was linked to untreated industrial and municipal waste. The study raises concerns about human health exposure through seafood consumption in a region where millions of people depend on fishing for food and livelihood.
Mangrove plastisphere as a hotspot for high-risk antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens
This study found that microplastics in mangrove ecosystems serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes and disease-causing bacteria. Polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC surfaces incubated in mangrove sediments harbored significantly more high-risk resistance genes than the surrounding environment. This is concerning because mangroves are important coastal habitats, and microplastics there could help spread drug-resistant infections to wildlife and potentially to humans.
Toxic effects of co-exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and arsenic in zebrafish (Danio rerio): Oxidative stress, physiological and biochemical responses
In a zebrafish study, polystyrene nanoplastics made arsenic more toxic by helping the poison build up in the liver, gills, and intestines. The nanoplastics increased cell damage and oxidative stress beyond what arsenic alone would cause. This shows that nanoplastics can act as carriers for other toxic substances in water, potentially making environmental pollutants more dangerous to aquatic life and the food chain.
A powerful method for In Situ and rapid detection of trace nanoplastics in water—Mie scattering
Scientists developed a fast, on-site method for detecting nanoplastics in water using Mie scattering, a light-based technique that can identify polystyrene particles as small as 25 nanometers. When tested on commercial bottled water, nanoplastic concentrations of 0.07 to 0.39 micrograms per liter were found across five brands. This type of rapid detection tool is important for real-time monitoring of nanoplastic contamination in drinking water and assessing potential human health risks.
Micro and nanoplastics ravaging our agroecosystem: A review of occurrence, fate, ecological impacts, detection, remediation, and prospects
This review examines how micro and nanoplastics are infiltrating agricultural ecosystems through plastic mulch, irrigation water, sewage sludge, and other sources. Researchers found evidence that these particles harm soil organisms, reduce crop growth, and can carry toxic chemicals up the food chain to humans. The paper highlights the urgent need for better detection methods and remediation strategies to protect food production systems.
Combined exposure to hypoxia and nanoplastics leads to negative synergistic oxidative stress-mediated effects in the water flea Daphnia magna
Researchers exposed the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna to both hypoxia (low oxygen) and nanoplastics simultaneously, finding that combined stressors act synergistically to amplify oxidative stress and cause more severe reproductive and growth impairment than either stressor alone, mediated by HIF-1α, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways.
Implications of climate change on water quality and sanitation in climate hotspot locations: A case study in Indonesia
This review assesses water quality challenges in Indonesia, where 70% of rivers are heavily polluted and only 10% of rainfall reaches groundwater. Water availability has dropped sharply, with a supply deficit of 5.5 cubic hectometers per year. While focused on broader water quality issues including industrial and domestic waste, the findings illustrate how inadequate water infrastructure in climate-vulnerable regions leaves populations exposed to emerging contaminants like microplastics.
Size-dependent adverse effects of microplastics on intestinal microbiota and metabolic homeostasis in the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
Researchers exposed marine medaka fish to different sizes of polystyrene microplastics for 60 days and found that particle size was a key factor in determining health effects. Larger particles (200 micrometers) caused weight gain and fat accumulation, while smaller particles (2 and 10 micrometers) led to liver inflammation and damage. The study also revealed that microplastics disrupted the balance of gut bacteria, particularly with larger particle exposure.
UV-Aged Nanoplastics Increase Mercury Toxicity in a Marine Copepod under Multigenerational Exposure: A Carrier Role
Researchers found that UV-aged nanoplastics were much better at carrying mercury into the bodies of marine copepods than fresh nanoplastics, increasing mercury accumulation by over 50% across multiple generations. The combination of aged nanoplastics and mercury significantly reduced survival rates in offspring. Since most nanoplastics in the ocean have been weathered by sunlight, this study suggests the real-world risks of nanoplastic-metal combinations to marine food chains may be greater than lab studies with fresh plastics indicate.
Integration of physiology, microbiota and metabolomics reveals toxic response of zebrafish gut to co-exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and arsenic
Researchers exposed zebrafish to arsenic combined with polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the nanoplastics significantly increased arsenic accumulation in the gut, by up to 77% at the higher dose. The combined exposure caused more oxidative damage and greater disruption to gut bacteria and metabolism than arsenic alone. This study shows that nanoplastics can make other environmental pollutants more dangerous by helping them accumulate in the digestive system.