Papers

Analysis of aged microplastics: a review

This review looks at how microplastics change over time in the environment through exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and biological activity. Aging alters the surface properties of microplastics, which can make them more toxic and change how they interact with other pollutants. Advanced techniques like infrared and Raman spectroscopy are the best current methods for identifying and tracking these aged microplastics in environmental samples.

A review of potential human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics exposure

This systematic review summarized 133 studies on how micro- and nanoplastics affect human health based on mammalian research. The evidence points to cell damage, inflammation, gut disruption, and reproductive harm, though most studies focused on polystyrene particles and more research is needed on other common plastic types.

Stress-induced phase separation in plastics drives the release of amorphous polymer micropollutants into water

Scientists discovered that internal stress built up during plastic manufacturing forces tiny droplets of low-weight plastic to migrate to the surface and release into water. This means everyday items like plastic water bottles are shedding a previously unrecognized type of plastic pollutant, especially from high-stress areas like bottle necks, which could increase human exposure through drinking water.

Brain capital is crucial for global sustainable development

Application of 3D Printing Technology in Sensor Development for Water Quality Monitoring

This systematic review found that 3D printing technologies, particularly fused deposition modeling and stereolithography, are enabling rapid and cost-effective development of water quality sensors. These printed sensors can detect heavy metals, pH, dissolved oxygen, and organic pollutants with accuracy approaching conventional manufactured devices.

Recent Implementations of Hydrogel-Based Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) in Sensing Applications

This systematic review found that hydrogel-based microbial electrochemical technologies show strong potential for biosensor applications, particularly in detecting water contaminants and monitoring environmental quality. Hydrogels improve biofilm stability and electrode performance in microbial fuel cells used as sensing platforms.

Social exposome and brain health outcomes of dementia across Latin America

This study examined how social factors like education, food insecurity, financial status, and healthcare access over a lifetime affect brain health and dementia risk across six Latin American countries. While not directly about microplastics, the research is relevant because environmental exposures, including pollutants, are part of the broader exposome that shapes long-term health outcomes. The findings emphasize that cumulative social and environmental disadvantages may increase vulnerability to neurological disease.

Study of PLA pre-treatment, enzymatic and model-compost degradation, and valorization of degradation products to bacterial nanocellulose

Researchers tested methods to break down polylactic acid (PLA), a common bio-based plastic, using chemical pre-treatment followed by enzymatic and composting processes. They then converted the degradation products into valuable bacterial nanocellulose. This work is relevant because even bio-based plastics can become microplastic pollutants, and finding ways to fully degrade them into useful materials helps close the loop on plastic waste.

A Review on Biological Synthesis of the Biodegradable Polymers Polyhydroxyalkanoates and the Development of Multiple Applications

This review covers the biological production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of biodegradable bioplastics that bacteria naturally produce from waste carbon sources. Researchers found that these biopolymers have properties similar to conventional plastics like polypropylene but can fully biodegrade, making them a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The study emphasizes that scaling up production and establishing proper end-of-life management are critical steps for PHAs to compete with conventional plastics and help reduce microplastic pollution.

Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation

Researchers found that polypropylene baby bottles can release millions of microplastic particles per liter when exposed to the high temperatures used during sterilization and formula preparation. The study estimated that bottle-fed infants could be exposed to significant levels of microplastics during their first year of life, with hotter water temperatures leading to greater particle release.

A review of rubber tyre derived micro- and nanoplastics: fate, impact and risks

This systematic review examines microplastics generated from rubber tire wear, which are a major but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution. Tire particles spread through air, stormwater, and wastewater to contaminate both land and water. This is an important human health concern because tire-derived microplastics contain toxic chemicals and are found in the air people breathe and the water they drink.

Interactions between MPs and PFASs in aquatic environments: A dual-character situation

This review examines the interactions between microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water environments, finding that the two pollutants have a complex relationship. Microplastics can absorb PFAS chemicals onto their surfaces, potentially transporting them through aquatic systems and altering their environmental behavior. The study highlights the need to consider these combined effects when assessing pollution risks in waterways.

Micro and nano plastics release from a single absorbable suture into simulated body fluid

Researchers found that absorbable surgical sutures made from polyglycolic acid release significant numbers of micro and nano plastic particles as they dissolve inside the body. A single centimeter of one suture type released over two million tiny plastic particles into simulated body fluid, raising questions about an overlooked source of microplastic exposure in medical settings.

High levels of microparticles release from biodegradable polylactic acid paper cups compared with polyethylene-lined cups

Researchers compared microparticle release from single-use paper cups lined with biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) versus conventional polyethylene (PE) when exposed to hot liquids. They found that PLA-lined cups released about 4.2 times more particles than PE-lined cups, totaling around 180,000 particles per cup. The findings suggest that biodegradable plastic alternatives may not necessarily reduce microparticle exposure from everyday food-contact products.

A Systematic Review and Characterization of the Major and Most Studied Urban Soil Threats in the European Union

Researchers systematically reviewed research on urban soil pollution across Europe, comparing two literature analysis methods, and found that heavy metals and soil organic carbon loss are the two biggest threats to city soils. The study highlights major evidence gaps that need to be filled to support the EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on a marine ecosystem engineer (Arenicola marina) and sediment nutrient cycling

Researchers assessed the effects of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on lugworms, a key marine ecosystem engineer, in outdoor mesocosms. The study found that both types of microplastics at increasing concentrations affected lugworm health and biological activity as well as sediment nutrient cycling, suggesting that even biodegradable plastics may pose risks to marine sediment ecosystems.

Development of Novel Classification Algorithms for Detection of Floating Plastic Debris in Coastal Waterbodies Using Multispectral Sentinel-2 Remote Sensing Imagery

Researchers developed classification algorithms using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to detect floating plastic debris in coastal waters near Cyprus and Greece. They tested both unsupervised and supervised methods and found that a semi-supervised fuzzy c-means approach achieved the highest accuracy for identifying plastics. The study demonstrates that remote sensing technology can be an effective tool for monitoring and mapping marine plastic pollution at scale.

Rapid Generation of Microplastics and Plastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter from Food Packaging Films under Simulated Aging Conditions

Researchers found that common plastic food packaging (low-density polyethylene film) releases large numbers of microplastics and hundreds of dissolved chemical compounds when exposed to everyday conditions like microwaving, heating, or UV light. Under simulated aging, the films released 15 to 453 times more microplastics than untreated controls. The study suggests that routine food preparation and storage practices may be a significant source of microplastic and chemical exposure.

Alcohol Pretreatment to Eliminate the Interference of Micro Additive Particles in the Identification of Microplastics Using Raman Spectroscopy

Researchers discovered that micro additive particles released from plastic products can interfere with microplastic identification using Raman spectroscopy, as these additives produce spectra nearly identical to common plastics. The study introduced an alcohol pretreatment protocol that effectively eliminates additive particle interference, enabling more accurate microplastic detection and quantification.

Microplastics Affect the Ecological Functioning of an Important Biogenic Habitat

Researchers tested how microplastics affect the ecological functioning of oyster and mussel habitats in outdoor mesocosms. The study found that both biodegradable and conventional microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations can alter filtration rates and nutrient cycling in these important biogenic habitats, suggesting broader ecosystem-level impacts.

Effects of microplastics on European flat oysters, Ostrea edulis and their associated benthic communities

Researchers assessed the effects of microplastics on European flat oysters and their associated benthic communities in outdoor mesocosms. The study found that microplastic exposure affected oyster health and biological functioning, and also altered the structure of surrounding macrofaunal assemblages, demonstrating that microplastic pollution can have community-level ecological impacts.

The fate of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in constructed wetlands: Addressing methodological gaps and experimental challenges from lab-scale to full-scale

This review examines the effectiveness of constructed wetlands for removing micro- and nanoplastics from water, comparing laboratory and full-scale results. Researchers found that while constructed wetlands show promising removal capabilities, the unique physical and chemical properties of plastic particles mean that lab-scale efficiencies may differ significantly from real-world performance, highlighting the need for more field-scale studies.

Advancing microplastics detection and prediction: Integrating traditional methods with machine learning for environmental and food safety application

Polystyrene nanoplastics target electron transport chain complexes in brain mitochondria

Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on mitochondrial function in rat brain tissue. They found that nanoplastic exposure significantly impaired the electron transport chain, specifically disrupting electron flow between respiratory complexes I-III and II-III in both synaptic and non-synaptic mitochondria. The findings reveal a potential mechanism by which nanoplastics could contribute to brain energy metabolism deficits and neurotoxicity.