Papers

A new approach to classifying polymer type of microplastics based on Faster-RCNN-FPN and spectroscopic imagery under ultraviolet light

Scientists developed an AI-based method using UV light photography to automatically identify and classify different types of microplastics, achieving 86-88% accuracy. This approach is faster and cheaper than traditional lab analysis methods that require expensive equipment. Better detection tools like this are essential for understanding how widespread microplastic contamination really is in coastal environments where people live and eat seafood.

First-ever study uncovers microplastic contamination in Nepalese table salt

In the first study of its kind in Nepal, researchers found microplastics in 100% of table salt samples tested from across the country, with levels ranging from 80 to 1,040 particles per kilogram. The most common shapes were fibers and films made of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. Since salt is consumed daily by nearly everyone, this represents a consistent source of microplastic ingestion for the Nepalese population.

Microplastics and heavy metals in the sediment of Songkhla Lagoon: distribution and risk assessment

Researchers surveyed microplastic and heavy metal contamination in the sediments of Songkhla Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Thailand. They found microplastic fibers and fragments at every sampling site, with concentrations highest near the lagoon mouth, alongside elevated levels of metals like zinc, copper, and lead. Since local communities rely on the lagoon for fishing and food, the combined presence of microplastics and heavy metals in sediments raises direct concerns about contamination entering the human food chain.

Microplastic pollution in bottled water: a systematic review

Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Primary and Secondary Resources Using Flotation: A Systematic Review

This systematic review examined flotation methods for recovering rare earth elements from both primary mineral sources and secondary recycling streams, finding that collector chemistry and particle surface modification are critical to separation efficiency. While not about microplastics, the research addresses sustainable resource recovery and reducing mining waste that can contribute to environmental contamination.

Combined effects of nanoplastics and elevated temperature in the freshwater water flea Daphnia magna

This study found that polystyrene nanoplastics became more toxic to water fleas (Daphnia magna) at higher temperatures, causing more oxidative stress and a greater drop in reproduction. Warmer conditions increased how much plastic the organisms absorbed and accumulated. The findings suggest that as global temperatures rise, the harmful effects of nanoplastic pollution on aquatic life could get worse, potentially affecting species that are important food sources for fish.

Seasonal microplastic variations in estuarine sediments from urban canal on the west coast of Thailand: A case study in Phuket province

Researchers investigated seasonal variations in microplastic contamination in estuarine sediments from an urban canal in Phuket, Thailand. They found microplastic abundance was higher in the dry season than the rainy season, with rayon and polyester being the most common polymer types, suggesting that seasonal hydrological patterns and human activities both influence microplastic distribution in urban estuaries.

Vulnerability of microplastics on marine environment: A review

Researchers reviewed the sources, spread, and ecological impacts of microplastics in marine environments, finding that about 80% originate from land-based sources like tire wear, skincare products, and improperly disposed plastics. The review emphasizes that microplastic ingestion damages marine organisms' digestive systems and calls for urgent research and policy action.

Active Fish Gelatin/Chitosan Blend Film Incorporated with Guava Leaf Powder Carbon Dots: Properties, Release and Antioxidant Activity

Researchers developed active food packaging films by incorporating carbon dots derived from guava leaf powder into gelatin and chitosan blends. The films showed improved UV-blocking properties and antioxidant activity that increased with higher carbon dot content. The study presents these biodegradable films as a potential alternative to conventional plastic packaging for extending food shelf life without synthetic additives.

Microplastics research in Nepal: Present scenario and current gaps in knowledge

Researchers reviewed the current state of microplastic pollution research in Nepal and found that the field is still in its earliest stages, with only a handful of studies published since 2020. The existing research has primarily focused on water bodies, leaving major gaps in understanding microplastic contamination in soil, air, and the food chain within the country. The study recommends expanding research efforts to provide a more complete picture of microplastic pollution in Nepal.

Size-dependent toxicity of nano- and microplastics with zinc oxide nanoparticles in the marine rotifer Brachionus koreanus

Researchers studied the combined toxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles with nano- and microplastics on marine rotifers. They found that the presence of plastic particles increased the toxicity of zinc oxide, with nanoplastics causing more harm than microplastics, and the combined exposure reduced reproduction and population growth. The study demonstrates that microplastics can amplify the harmful effects of other environmental contaminants on small marine organisms.

Micro(nano)plastics as Emerging Pollutants in Global Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Bibliometric Analysis

This bibliometric analysis mapped the global landscape of micro- and nanoplastic research in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems using data from major scientific databases. Researchers identified key research trends, leading countries, and the most active institutions contributing to the field. The study reveals that while research output has surged in recent years, significant knowledge gaps remain around nanoplastics and their long-term ecological effects.

Aquatic insect biodiversity, water quality variables, and microplastics in the living weir freshwater ecosystem

Researchers assessed water quality, aquatic insect biodiversity, and microplastic contamination along a Thai river system with and without living weirs. They found that living weirs improved habitat conditions for aquatic insects while also influencing microplastic distribution patterns. The study demonstrates that nature-based river structures can support biodiversity while providing insights into how infrastructure affects plastic pollution.

Occurrence of Microplastics in River Water in Southern Thailand

Researchers monitored microplastic levels in the U-Taphao River in southern Thailand across four sampling periods in 2022. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 0.41 particles per liter, with fibers being the dominant type found at over 80% of sampling stations, and concentrations generally declining from upstream to downstream.

The Influence of Textile Type, Textile Weight, and Detergent Dosage on Microfiber Emissions from Top-Loading Washing Machines

Researchers investigated how different textile types, fabric weights, and detergent amounts affect microfiber shedding from top-loading washing machines. The study found that all four tested fabric weave structures released both synthetic and natural microfibers during washing, with textile type and weight being significant factors, contributing to our understanding of how everyday laundry contributes to microplastic pollution.

Recent Studies and Technologies in the Separation of Polyvinyl Chloride for Resources Recycling: A Systematic Review

This systematic review summarizes research on technologies for separating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from other plastics for recycling. Better PVC recycling is important for reducing microplastic pollution because PVC is one of the most common and problematic plastics, and when it breaks down it can release harmful chemical additives into the environment and our bodies.

Microplastics accumulation and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in Marcia opima and Lingula anatina, Phuket

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination and heavy metal health risks in two shellfish species from Phuket, Thailand, finding microplastics in both species with polyethylene terephthalate being the most common polymer type.

Reproductive characteristics of the hermaphroditic four-finger threadfin, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw, 1804), in tropical coastal waters

Researchers studied the reproductive biology of the four-finger threadfin fish along the coast of Thailand, confirming it is a sex-changing species (starting as male and transitioning to female) that spawns year-round with peaks during the rainy season. These baseline reproductive data are important for managing wild fish stocks and supporting aquaculture of this commercially valuable species.

Occurrence and abundance of microplastics in surface water of Songkhla Lagoon

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the surface waters of Songkhla Lagoon in Thailand and found microplastics at all sampling sites. Small fibers under 500 micrometers were the most abundant type, with rayon and polyester being the dominant polymer materials. The findings indicate that this important coastal lagoon system is widely affected by microplastic pollution from surrounding urban and industrial sources.

Exploring Microplastics in Seawater and Zooplankton on the Eastern Coast of Thailand: A Case Study in Phuket Province

This study is the first to analyze microplastics in seawater and zooplankton along the eastern coastline of Phuket, Thailand. Researchers identified hundreds of microplastic particles across samples, with evidence of ingestion by zooplankton, raising concerns about trophic transfer through the aquatic food chain in this coastal ecosystem.

Occurrence of microplastics in farmed and wild snails along the coasts of Thailand: Implications for consumer exposure and health risks

Analysis of microbial populations in plastic–soil systems after exposure to high poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) load using high-resolution molecular technique

Researchers examined how high concentrations of the biodegradable plastic PBSA affect soil microbial communities, finding that PBSA exposure significantly altered microbial diversity and community composition, with certain bacteria enriched as potential plastic degraders.

Metagenomic insights into isolable bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance in airborne dust from pig farms

Researchers studied bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance in airborne dust from pig farms in Thailand using metagenomic sequencing. The study found the highest bacterial concentrations inside pig houses, with Staphylococcus and Enterococcus being the most frequently isolated species, and identified that the same resistant bacteria appeared across dust, feed, and fecal samples on individual farms.

Enhanced detection and classification of microplastics in marine environments using deep learning