Papers

Assessment of microplastic and heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils of Ernakulam District, Kerala, India

Researchers measured microplastic and heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils across five farmlands in Kerala, India, finding higher pollution levels near commercial and urban areas. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the most common plastic types, and several heavy metals exceeded safe levels. The combined presence of microplastics and heavy metals in farmland soil is concerning because both contaminants can be taken up by crops, potentially affecting the safety of food grown in these areas.

Microplastic accumulation dynamics and risk assessment in dried fish processed with sea salt at different salting ratios

This study found that sea salt used to cure dried fish contains an average of about 41 microplastic particles per gram, and that this salt introduces significant microplastic contamination into the cured fish. Using a higher salt-to-fish ratio increased the microplastic load in the final product. The findings are important for food safety because salt-cured fish is a dietary staple in South Asia and other coastal regions, creating a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion.

Microplastics in fish and a bivalve species sampled from freshwater environment and retail outlets, and the assessment of human exposure

Eco-friendly or eco-threat? Influence of feeding zone on biodegradable microplastic uptake in freshwater fish and its impact on environment and food safety

This study, the first of its kind in India, examined whether biodegradable microplastics accumulate in freshwater fish from different feeding zones of the Periyar River in Kerala. Researchers found that bottom-dwelling fish accumulated the most biodegradable microplastic particles, suggesting that feeding habitat plays an important role in exposure levels. The findings challenge the assumption that biodegradable plastics are inherently safer for aquatic ecosystems.

Microplastics in the edible tissues of shellfishes sold for human consumption

Researchers analyzed the edible tissues of four shellfish species sold for human consumption and found microplastics present in all samples examined. Fibers were the most commonly detected particle type, with polymer identification confirming synthetic origins including polyethylene and polypropylene. The findings raise concerns about human dietary exposure to microplastics through commercially available seafood products.

Incidence of microplastic translocation in freshwater fish eggs

Researchers examined the eggs of four freshwater fish species from the Periyar River in India and found microplastics present inside the eggs themselves. This is notable because it shows microplastics can transfer from contaminated fish into their reproductive tissues. The findings raise concerns about both the impact on fish reproduction and the potential for human exposure through consuming fish eggs.

Ecological assessment of microplastic contamination in surface water and commercially important edible fishes off Kadalundi estuary, Southwest coast of India

Researchers documented microplastic contamination in both the surface water and 12 commercially important fish species from the Kadalundi estuary in India. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic found, with contamination levels varying across fish species. The findings are significant because this estuary is Kerala's first community reserve, and the contaminated fish are widely consumed by local populations.

Abundance, characteristics and seasonal variation of microplastics in Indian white shrimps (Fenneropenaeus indicus) from coastal waters off Cochin, Kerala, India

Researchers examined microplastic contamination and seasonal variation in the commercially important Indian white shrimp from coastal waters off Cochin, India, over 12 months. The study detected microplastics in shrimp tissues, predominantly fibers, with an average of 0.39 particles per shrimp, suggesting that even commercially harvested seafood species carry microplastic contamination.

Recent trends in industrial and academic developments of green tyre technology

Researchers reviewed emerging green tire technologies — including bio-based rubbers, silica fillers, and sustainable manufacturing processes — finding that the automobile sector is making measurable progress toward tires with lower environmental impact, though widespread commercialization of fully green tires remains a work in progress.

Microplastics in the edible and inedible tissues of pelagic fishes sold for human consumption in Kerala, India

Researchers examined microplastics in both edible and inedible tissues of nine commercially important fish species from Kerala, India. They found that 41% of fish had microplastics in inedible tissues like gills and viscera, while 7% had particles in edible muscle and skin, with filter-feeding fish showing higher contamination than visual predators. The study suggests that human consumption of pelagic fish from this region could result in microplastic exposure, though the quantities found in edible tissues were relatively small.

Prevalence and characteristics of microplastics present in the street dust collected from Chennai metropolitan city, India

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in street dust from 16 locations across Chennai, India, in the first study of its kind from the country. They found an average of about 228 microplastic particles per hundred grams of street dust, with fibers being overwhelmingly the most common type at over 92 percent. The study identifies urban street dust as a significant reservoir and transport medium for microplastic pollution in densely populated cities.

Machine learning aided meta-analysis of microplastic polymer composition in global marine environment

Microplastic contamination in salt-cured fish and commercial sea salts: an emerging food safety threat in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Researchers analyzed 22 species of salt-cured fish and commercial sea salts from the Indian east coast and found microplastic contamination substantially higher than global averages. Most of the microplastics were tiny fragments and fibers smaller than 250 micrometers, primarily made of PVC and polystyrene. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through preserved seafood products and highlight the need for food safety monitoring.

Clean, but not green: Emission assessment, forecast modelling and policy solutions for plastic microbeads from personal care products in India

Researchers analyzed 45 personal care products sold in India and found that plastic microbeads were present in face washes, scrubs, shower gels, and body scrubs. They estimated current and future microbead emissions based on product usage patterns and population growth, projecting a significant increase in microplastic pollution from these sources. The study calls for regulatory action to ban intentionally added microbeads in personal care products in India.

Co-exposure of microplastics and heavy metals in the marine environment and remediation techniques: a comprehensive review

This review examines how microplastics and heavy metals interact when they co-exist in the marine environment, with microplastics acting as carriers that concentrate metals on their surfaces. Researchers describe the mechanisms behind this interaction, including surface complexation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces. The study also surveys current remediation techniques aimed at removing both microplastics and heavy metal-laden microplastics from marine ecosystems.

Characterization and risk assessment of microplastics accumulated in sediments and benthic molluscs in the mangrove wetlands along the south-west coast of India

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in mangrove sediments and four species of benthic molluscs from Vembanad Lake, a major estuary on India's southwest coast. Average sediment contamination levels were relatively high compared to other mangrove regions in India, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymers, and ecological risk indices indicated severe microplastic pollution risk for the molluscs studied.

Therapeutic Benefits of Nano-Echinacea Extract on Reproductive Injury Induced by Polystyrene Plastic Materials in Rat Model via Regulating Gut–Brain Axis

Researchers investigated whether nano-formulated Echinacea extract could protect against reproductive damage caused by polystyrene nanoplastics in a rat model. The study found that the nano-Echinacea treatment provided therapeutic benefits against nanoplastic-induced reproductive injury by modulating the gut-brain axis, suggesting that natural plant-based interventions may help counteract some harmful effects of plastic particle exposure.

Severe microplastic pollution risks in urban freshwater system post-landfill fire: A case study from Brahmapuram, India

Researchers documented a dramatic increase in microplastic pollution in freshwater systems near the Brahmapuram landfill in Kochi, India, following a major landfill fire. Post-fire surface water samples showed microplastic concentrations nearly doubling compared to pre-fire levels. The study demonstrates that landfill fires can rapidly release large quantities of microplastics into surrounding urban waterways, creating acute pollution events.

Seasonal variation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in surface waters of Periyar River, Kerala, India

Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of microplastic pollution in the Periyar River in Kerala, India, examining seasonal variation and spatial distribution from upstream to downstream reaches. They found that microplastic concentrations were highest during the monsoon season and increased toward downstream urban areas, with fibers being the dominant particle type. The risk assessment indicated moderate ecological concern, highlighting the need for waste management interventions along the river.

Atmospheric microplastic deposition in a coastal city of India: The influence of a landfill source on monsoon winds

Researchers measured atmospheric microplastic deposition across three seasons in the coastal city of Kochi, India, and found the highest fallout rates during the northeast monsoon season. They discovered that a nearby landfill significantly influenced the types and quantities of airborne microplastics, with monsoon winds carrying particles from the waste site across the city. The study highlights how wind patterns and waste management practices together shape atmospheric microplastic contamination in coastal areas.

Microplastic pollution in beach sediments in the Dapoli coast, Maharashtra, the western peninsular region of India

Environmental and ecological risk of microplastics in the surface waters and gastrointestinal tract of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) around the Lakshadweep Islands, India

This study assessed microplastic contamination in surface waters and the gastrointestinal tracts of skipjack tuna around the Lakshadweep Islands, India. Researchers found widespread microplastic presence in both environmental and biological samples, indicating that even remote oceanic island ecosystems are affected by plastic pollution.

Spider Webs as Passive Monitors of Microplastic and Its Copollutants in Indoor Environments

Researchers tested indoor spider webs as passive monitors for microplastic contamination and found significantly higher microplastic concentrations in webs (up to 33,570 particles per gram) compared to household dust. A strong correlation between microplastic levels in webs and dust suggests spider webs are effective bioindicators of indoor plastic pollution. The study also detected chemical co-pollutants like bisphenol A and phthalates in both webs and dust, highlighting the complex mixture of contaminants in indoor environments.

Assessment of hazardous microplastic polymers and phthalic acid esters in an invasive mollusk (Mytella strigata) from the Cochin estuary, southwest coast of India: Unraveling ecosystem risks

Researchers characterized microplastic abundance and polymer composition in water, sediment, and the invasive mussel Mytella strigata from the Cochin Estuary, India, and measured phthalic acid ester plastic additive concentrations in mussel tissue. MP prevalence was 100% with abundances up to 1850 particles/m in water, and PAE concentrations in mussels were linked to MP contamination levels, raising concerns about ecosystem risk from this invasive species.