Papers

Occurrence of microplastics in edible tissues of livestock (cow and sheep)

Researchers found microplastics in the meat, liver, and stomach lining of both cows and sheep sold at butcher shops in Iran, with nylon being the most common plastic type detected. This study highlights that microplastics are transferring from the environment into livestock and could pose health risks to consumers, particularly children who eat meat.

Microplastics and phthalate esters in yogurt and buttermilk samples: characterization and health risk assessment

Researchers tested yogurt and buttermilk products in Iran and found microplastics in every sample, along with phthalate chemicals that can leach from plastic packaging. The levels of one phthalate (DEHP) were high enough to potentially pose a cancer risk for adults and adolescents, highlighting dairy products as a meaningful source of microplastic and chemical exposure.

Influence of the geographic location and house characteristics on the concentration of microplastics in indoor dust

Scientists measured microplastics in household dust from 60 homes across Lima, Peru, and found them in every single home, with fibers being the most common type at 98%. Homes on higher floors, in certain city districts, and with more synthetic textiles had higher concentrations of microplastics in their dust. Since people spend most of their time indoors, this study highlights that household dust is a significant and often overlooked source of daily microplastic exposure.

Microplastics in the Marine Environment

This chapter reviews how microplastics enter and move through marine environments, where they undergo weathering and degradation that changes their physical and chemical properties. Once in the ocean, these particles can transport pathogens and other pollutants, and their altered characteristics affect how toxic they are to marine organisms. Since humans consume seafood, marine microplastic pollution is a potential pathway for human exposure.

Paint particle pollution in aquatic environments: Current advances and analytical challenges

This review highlights paint particles as an overlooked but significant source of microplastic pollution in water environments, originating from marine vessels, buildings, and industrial activities. Paint particles carry toxic chemicals including heavy metals and biocides that can leach into water and accumulate in marine organisms, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health through seafood consumption.

Current Trends, Spatio‐Temporal Dynamics of Microplastics Research and Global Public Health: A Scientometric Study

This scientometric study analyzes trends in microplastic research and its connection to public health, finding a rapid increase in published studies over recent years. The analysis maps how the field has grown globally and identifies key research themes connecting microplastics to human health concerns. The increasing volume of research reflects growing scientific recognition that microplastics are a significant public health issue.

Micro(nano)plastics Prevalence, Food Web Interactions, and Toxicity Assessment in Aquatic Organisms: A Review

This review examines the prevalence of micro- and nanoplastics across aquatic environments and their documented toxic effects on organisms ranging from plankton to fish, including DNA damage, reproductive harm, and neurotoxicity. Researchers found clear evidence that these particles transfer through aquatic food webs and can ultimately reach humans through seafood consumption. The study calls for more research into how microplastics carrying multiple contaminants cause combined toxic effects in marine organisms.

Microplastics: an emerging threat to food security and human health

This review examines the growing body of evidence showing that microplastics are present in seafood and other food products worldwide, making human dietary exposure virtually unavoidable. Researchers summarize the potential risks to food security and human health from ingesting microplastics and the chemical contaminants they carry. The study identifies significant research gaps and calls for more work on monitoring and eliminating microplastics throughout the food supply chain.

Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends

This review compares how both biodegradable and conventional microplastics absorb chemical contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals from the environment. Researchers found that microplastics can act as carriers for hazardous chemicals, and that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer in this regard, as they can also concentrate and transport pollutants.

Occurrence and exposure assessment of microplastics in indoor dusts of buildings with different applications in Bushehr and Shiraz cities, Iran

Researchers measured microplastic levels in indoor dust from homes, mosques, hospitals, kindergartens, and universities in two Iranian cities, finding an average of 80 to 90 particles per milligram of dust. Kindergartens had the highest concentrations, and polyethylene fibers were the most common type across all buildings. The study found that infants in kindergartens face the highest daily microplastic exposure from breathing and accidentally swallowing indoor dust.

Microplastics and phthalate esters release from teabags into tea drink: occurrence, human exposure, and health risks

Researchers tested 45 teabag brands and found that a single teabag can release hundreds of microplastic particles and harmful phthalate chemicals into tea during brewing. Based on typical tea consumption, children could ingest about 486 microplastics daily and adults about 810 just from teabag-brewed tea. The phthalate DEHP, found in the teabags, showed cancer risk levels for both children and adults, highlighting teabags as a significant and overlooked source of microplastic and chemical exposure.

Interactions of insects with micro- and nanoplastics: A review

This comprehensive review of 114 studies found that micro- and nanoplastics accumulate in both terrestrial and aquatic insects, causing reduced growth, impaired reproduction, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome disruption. Since insects are foundational to food webs and pollination, plastic contamination in insect populations could cascade through ecosystems and ultimately affect human food systems.

Binational survey using Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution: Insights into chemical analysis and potential risk on humans

Researchers conducted surveys of microplastic contamination in mussels from coastal sites across Morocco and Tunisia, finding plastics in 79 to 100 percent of all samples. The most common types were polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and fragments, with chemical analysis revealing the presence of associated toxic additives. The study estimates that regular mussel consumers in these regions face meaningful microplastic intake, highlighting a potential human health concern.

Degradation of plastics associated with the COVID-19 pandemic

This review examines how personal protective equipment from the COVID-19 pandemic degrades in the environment and becomes a source of microplastic pollution. Researchers found that face masks, primarily made of polypropylene, break down into microfibers relatively quickly when exposed to weathering. The study highlights that pandemic-related plastic waste represents a new and significant category of environmental microplastic contamination.

Environmental pollution with antifouling paint particles: Distribution, ecotoxicology, and sustainable alternatives

This review examines antifouling paint particles as a type of microplastic pollution loaded with toxic biocidal compounds in the marine environment. Researchers found that these particles are mainly concentrated around boatyards and port areas and contribute significantly to overall microplastic pollution, while also discussing recent advances in nontoxic, biobased antifouling alternatives.

Small plastic fragments: A bridge between large plastic debris and micro- & nano-plastics

Physical and chemical degradation of littered personal protective equipment (PPE) under simulated environmental conditions

Researchers studied the physical and chemical degradation of discarded face masks and gloves under simulated environmental conditions over 60 days. The study found that sun exposure caused significant polymer degradation in personal protective equipment, suggesting that littered PPE can break down relatively quickly and potentially release microplastic fragments into the environment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution in the Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed inland water body in the world

Researchers surveyed the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea for personal protective equipment pollution resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. They found a density of approximately 10,200 PPE items per square meter, with face masks making up over 95% of the debris. The study suggests that while PPE pollution in the world's largest enclosed inland water body is comparable to marine environments, a decreasing trend may reflect changing behaviors as pandemic measures evolve.

Microplastics in rocky shore mollusks of different feeding habits: An assessment of sentinel performance

Researchers examined microplastic levels in three types of rocky shore mollusks with different feeding habits along a pollution gradient in Brazil. Filter-feeding oysters accumulated the most microplastics, followed by plant-eating limpets and meat-eating snails, suggesting that how an animal feeds affects how much plastic it ingests. The study proposes that all three species could serve as useful sentinel organisms for monitoring microplastic contamination in coastal areas.

First record of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, and plasticrusts in South America

Researchers documented the first evidence of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, and plasticrusts on beaches in South America, adding to the growing global record of these newly described forms of plastic pollution. The study suggests that these formations, where plastic fuses with natural materials like rock and sediment, represent a lasting geological marker of human plastic pollution in coastal environments.

Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health

This review examines how the COVID-19 pandemic increased human exposure to microplastics through the widespread use of plastic-based personal protective equipment like disposable face masks and gloves. Researchers found that face masks release microplastics that can be directly inhaled during use or transported through the environment, potentially carrying chemical contaminants and pathogens. The study highlights the need for more research on the health effects of PPE-derived microplastic exposure.

What we need to know about PPE associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the marine environment

This review discusses how the surge in plastic-based personal protective equipment use during the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to marine plastic pollution. Researchers identified key research gaps regarding the occurrence, degradation, and ecological effects of PPE-derived plastics in ocean environments. The study proposes five priority research areas to better understand and mitigate the environmental impact of pandemic-related plastic waste.

Assessing the current state of plastic pollution research in Antarctica: Knowledge gaps and recommendations

This review assessed the current state of research on plastic pollution in Antarctica, one of the most remote regions on Earth. Researchers found that despite its isolation, plastic contamination has been detected across Antarctic environments and wildlife, though significant knowledge gaps remain. The study recommends standardized sampling methods and more comprehensive monitoring to better understand the true extent of plastic pollution in Antarctic ecosystems.

Occurrence and ecological risks of microplastics and phthalate esters in organic solid wastes: In a landfill located nearby the Persian Gulf

Researchers measured microplastic and phthalate ester contamination in organic solid waste at a landfill near the Persian Gulf in Iran. They found an average of 12.3 microplastic particles per gram of waste, with nylon being the most common type, along with measurable levels of phthalate chemicals. The study highlights that landfills can serve as significant sources of both microplastic and chemical pollutant release into surrounding environments.