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Papers
84 resultsShowing papers from University of Duisburg-Essen
ClearThe recovery of European freshwater biodiversity has come to a halt
Researchers analyzed 1,816 freshwater invertebrate community datasets from 22 European countries spanning 1968 to 2020, finding that biodiversity recovered steadily through the 1990s and 2000s thanks to water quality improvements, but has largely plateaued since the 2010s. Emerging threats including climate warming, emerging pollutants like microplastics, and invasive species are now offsetting earlier conservation gains, signaling that stronger protections are urgently needed.
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.
2024 roadmap on membrane desalination technology at the water-energy nexus
This roadmap review covers the latest advances in membrane technology for turning seawater and brackish water into drinking water. While the paper focuses on desalination engineering, it notes that membrane filtration is also being explored as a way to remove microplastics from water supplies, which is relevant to reducing human exposure through drinking water.
Worldwide bottled water occurrence of emerging contaminants: A review of the recent scientific literature
Microplastics in the 1-5 µm range are the most prevalent contaminants in bottled water, with water in plastic bottles consistently more contaminated than in glass bottles; while most other contaminant levels (pharmaceuticals, PFAS, BPA) fell below safety thresholds, synergistic effects of multiple contaminants remain unknown.
Utilizing aquatic environmental DNA to address global biodiversity targets
This review explores how environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis from water samples can help monitor aquatic biodiversity and track ecosystem health. While not directly about microplastics, eDNA technology is increasingly being adapted to study how plastic pollution affects aquatic ecosystems and species diversity. Better biodiversity monitoring tools help scientists understand the broader ecological impacts of microplastic contamination on the water systems that support human food and resources.
Suspended fine particulate matter (PM2.5), microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air: Their possible relationships and health implications
Researchers analyzed the relationship between airborne fine particulate matter, microplastics, and toxic chemicals in an urban area near the Persian Gulf. They found microplastics embedded in air pollution particles, suggesting that people may be inhaling microplastics along with other air pollutants, with potential combined health effects that warrant further investigation.
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.
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.
Contaminant occurrence, distribution and ecological risk assessment of phthalate esters in the Persian Gulf
This study measured phthalate esters, chemicals commonly used as plastic softeners, in water samples from the Persian Gulf and assessed their ecological risk. Several phthalate compounds were detected at levels that pose potential risks to aquatic organisms. These chemicals are classified as endocrine disruptors and possible carcinogens, and since they leach from microplastics in water, their presence highlights how plastic pollution can introduce harmful chemicals into marine environments and the seafood supply.
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.
Integrated photothermal and photocatalytic degradation of micro-/nanoplastics: a mini-review with mechanistic insights and future perspectives
This mini-review examines how combined photothermal and photocatalytic technologies can be used to break down micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers describe how these approaches use light energy to generate heat and reactive chemical species that degrade plastic particles. The study outlines the underlying mechanisms and discusses future directions for making these treatment methods practical at larger scales.
Tire wear particles drive size-dependent loss of freshwater bacterial biofilm diversity
Researchers placed tire wear particles of different sizes and types in the River Rhine for four weeks and studied the bacterial communities that formed on them. They found that tire wear particles supported significantly less diverse bacterial communities compared to natural river sediment, with larger particles reducing diversity even further. The study reveals that the widespread release of tire wear particles into freshwater systems may be reshaping microbial ecosystems by favoring certain specialized bacteria over others.
Emerging contaminants migration from pipes used in drinking water distribution systems: a review of the scientific literature
Researchers reviewed the migration of emerging contaminants from water distribution pipes into drinking water, focusing on microplastics, bisphenol A, phthalates, and other chemicals. The study found that pipe materials can release these contaminants into tap water, posing potential human health concerns and highlighting the need for better monitoring of distribution system contributions to drinking water contamination.
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.
Rapid on-site analysis of soil microplastics using miniaturized NIR spectrometers: Key aspect of instrumental variation
Researchers tested several handheld near-infrared spectrometers to see if they could quickly identify microplastics in soil samples without extensive lab work. The study found that while these portable devices show promise for rapid on-site screening, the choice of sensor matters significantly since different instruments vary widely in their ability to distinguish between polymer types.
Assessing the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activating Potential of a Large Panel of Micro- and Nanoplastics in THP-1 Cells
Researchers developed an in vitro screening system using immune cells to assess whether various micro- and nanoplastics can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune system involved in inflammatory responses. The study tested a large panel of plastic particles of different sizes, shapes, and polymer types, providing insights into which characteristics may trigger inflammatory responses.
Abundance, composition, and potential intake of microplastics in canned fish
Researchers examined canned tuna and mackerel products for microplastic contamination and found plastic particles present in all samples tested. Fibers were the most common particle type, and polymer analysis identified materials consistent with packaging components. The study estimates potential human microplastic intake from canned fish consumption and highlights the need for further investigation into how processing and packaging contribute to seafood contamination.
Assessment of sample pre-treatment strategies to mitigate matrix effects for microplastics analysis using thermoanalytical techniques
This review assessed various sample preparation strategies to reduce interference when measuring microplastics using heat-based analytical methods. The researchers found that matrix effects from environmental samples can significantly skew microplastic measurements, making accurate quantification challenging. They proposed a standardized analytical workflow that combines multiple preparation steps to improve the reliability and comparability of microplastic analyses across laboratories.
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.
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.
Investigation of microplastics in community well water in Banda Aceh, Indonesia: a separation technique using polyethersulfone-poloxamer membrane
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in community well water in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, using a polyethersulfone-poloxamer membrane filtration technique. They detected microplastics in the well water samples and demonstrated that the membrane system could effectively separate these particles. The study highlights the need for improved water treatment methods to address microplastic contamination in drinking water sources.
A review of occurrence and concentrations of cellulose acetate and other artificial cellulose microfibers in aquatic environmental matrices: an indicator of cigarette butts’ contamination?
This review examines the occurrence of cellulose acetate microfibers in aquatic environments, primarily originating from discarded cigarette butts, which are among the most littered items worldwide. The authors found that cellulose acetate is one of the most frequently detected microfiber types in water, sediment, and marine organisms, with higher accumulations in sediment and bottom-dwelling animals. The study suggests that cellulose acetate levels could serve as an indicator of cigarette butt contamination in the environment.