Papers

An Updated Overview of Silica Aerogel-Based Nanomaterials

This review covers the properties, production methods, and applications of silica aerogels, which are ultra-lightweight materials with tiny pores and excellent insulating abilities. While not about microplastics specifically, silica aerogel composites are being explored as potential tools for filtering and removing microplastics from water due to their high porosity and ability to be combined with other functional materials. The review provides background on a technology that could contribute to future microplastic cleanup solutions.

Zinc Oxide-Loaded Recycled PET Nanofibers for Applications in Healthcare and Biomedical Devices

Researchers created antibacterial nanofiber membranes by recycling PET plastic waste and coating it with zinc oxide nanoparticles. The recycled materials effectively killed bacteria and fungi while being safe for human cells and showing no side effects when implanted in mice. This approach turns plastic pollution into useful healthcare materials, though the long-term health effects of wearing or using recycled microplastic-based products still need study.

Assessment of Dietary and Lifestyle Quality Among the Romanian Population in the Post-Pandemic Period

This survey of over 4,700 Romanians found low adherence to healthy diets and lifestyles in the post-pandemic period, with most respondents eating fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended and leading sedentary lives. While not directly about microplastics, poor diet quality is relevant because it can weaken the body's natural defenses against environmental pollutants, and processed foods are a known source of microplastic exposure. The study highlights how lifestyle choices may compound the health risks of environmental contamination.

Ecotoxicological Effects of Polystyrene Particle Mix (20, 200, and 430 µm) on Cyprinus carpio

Researchers exposed common carp to polystyrene microplastics of three different sizes in both short-term and long-term experiments, following standardized testing methods. While no deaths or acute effects occurred after 96 hours, the 75-day chronic exposure revealed changes in physiological markers and tissue-level effects. The study suggests that the real concern with microplastic exposure in fish lies in subtle, long-term biological changes rather than immediate toxic effects.

Moving Towards a Holistic Approach to Circular Cities: Obstacles and Perspectives for Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in Europe

Researchers surveyed experts across Europe to identify obstacles and opportunities for implementing nature-based solutions in cities transitioning toward circular economies. They found that while interest in green infrastructure is growing, inconsistent policies, lack of interdisciplinary collaboration, and limited citizen engagement remain major barriers. The study underscores the need for holistic urban planning that combines environmental, social, and economic perspectives.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of rPET/Cu-Alg Nanofibers for Anti-Infective Therapy

Researchers developed wound dressing nanofibers from recycled PET plastic bottles, functionalized with copper-enhanced alginate for antimicrobial properties. Testing showed the materials effectively prevented bacterial growth and biofilm formation while remaining safe for living tissue in both lab and animal studies. The study demonstrates a promising way to repurpose plastic waste into valuable medical materials that could help fight wound infections.

Water Quality and Water Pollution in Time of COVID-19: Positive and Negative Repercussions

This review assesses the positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on water quality across different continents. While lockdowns temporarily reduced some pollution, the pandemic also increased plastic waste from personal protective equipment and single-use items, contributing to microplastic contamination of water bodies.

Microplastics in Freshwaters: Implications for Aquatic Autotrophic Organisms and Fauna Health

This review details the physical and chemical properties of microplastics found in freshwater environments and examines how they affect aquatic plants and animals. Researchers describe the mechanisms of biodegradation and the toxicity pathways triggered by microplastic exposure, which depend on particle size, concentration, type, and the species involved. The study emphasizes that freshwater ecosystems are permanently subjected to microplastic contamination, posing ongoing risks to the organisms that inhabit them.

Removal of emerging contaminants from wastewater using advanced treatments. A review

Microplastic Evaluation in Water and Sediments of a Dam Reservoir–Riverine System in the Eastern Carpathians, Romania

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in the Siriu Reservoir along the Buzau River in the Eastern Carpathians, Romania, finding higher concentrations near the dam compared to downstream sites. Analysis of sediment cores revealed that microplastic accumulation tracked historical flood events, with polypropylene, polyethylene, and PET being the most common polymer types identified.

Bisphenol A Effects in Aqueous Environment on Lemna minor

Researchers found that bisphenol A exposure at 50-200 ppm significantly affected the aquatic plant Lemna minor, demonstrating the endocrine disruptor's capacity to accumulate in plant tissue and disrupt growth in aquatic environments.

Pharmacotechnical, Physico-Chemical, and Antioxidant Evaluation of Newly Developed Capsule Formulations

Researchers developed and evaluated two capsule formulations containing melatonin, biotin, and coenzyme Q10, demonstrating favorable pharmacotechnical properties and antioxidant activity that could help combat oxidative stress and premature aging.

Harnessing Nanomaterials for Water Decontamination: Insights into Environmental Impact, Sustainable Applications, and the Emerging Role of Polymeric Nanostructures

This review examines how nanomaterials can be used for water decontamination, including the removal of microplastics from aquatic environments. Researchers found that properties like large surface area and high reactivity make nanomaterials effective at addressing water pollution, though concerns remain about the environmental persistence and potential secondary effects of the nanomaterials themselves.

Ingestion of Polyvinylchloride Powder Particles Induces Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Histopathological Changes in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia)—A Preliminary Study

Researchers found that oral exposure to PVC microplastic powder induced oxidative stress and liver histopathological changes in Nile tilapia, with altered water quality parameters and tissue damage indicating significant toxicological effects from ingested plastic particles.

Edible and Functionalized Films/Coatings—Performances and Perspectives

This review covers recent advances in edible and biodegradable food films and coatings made from biological materials, examining their performance properties and potential as sustainable replacements for conventional petroleum-based food packaging.

Machine Learning Approaches for Microplastic Pollution Analysis in Mytilus galloprovincialis in the Western Black Sea

Machine learning models were applied to microplastic data from Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the western Black Sea, successfully predicting MP contamination levels and identifying pollution hotspots relevant to seafood safety and fisheries management.

Sustainable Remediation of Polluted Soils from the Oil Industry Using Sludge from Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

A bioremediation approach using dehydrated sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants was tested on petroleum-contaminated soils over three months, demonstrating effective hydrocarbon degradation and offering a cost-effective dual-recovery strategy for oil industry site remediation.

Ingested Microplastics Can Act as Microbial Vectors of Ichthyofauna

Nylon strips ingested and excreted by wild fish were found to harbor adherent microbiota including potential pathogens, demonstrating that microplastics can vector microorganisms through fish gut passage and into aquatic environments.

P22-12 Assessment of polystyrene nanoplastics toxicity on RTgill-W1 cell line

Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastic: biological effects and health consequence

This review summarized the biological effects and health consequences of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, covering routes of uptake (ingestion, inhalation, dermal), cellular toxicity mechanisms, and systemic health risks identified in recent experimental and epidemiological studies.

Tuning the infrared resonance of thermal emission from metasurfaces working in near-infrared

Researchers designed and tested a metasurface — a precisely engineered array of tiny metal structures — that can control the wavelength of infrared light emitted or absorbed, demonstrating that adjusting the geometry and orientation of the structures allows fine-tuned control of the thermal emission spectrum for potential sensing and imaging applications.

Ideonella sakaiensis Can Metabolize Bisphenol A as a Carbon Source

Researchers discovered that Ideonella sakaiensis — the bacterium famous for degrading PET plastic — can also use bisphenol A (BPA) as a food source, and that its key enzymes (PETase and MHETase) can bind BPA and its analogue BPS. This matters because BPA is a widespread endocrine-disrupting plastic additive; a bacterium that degrades both PET and BPA could address two linked plastic pollution problems simultaneously.

Antioxidative Defense and Gut Microbial Changes under Pollution Stress in Carassius gibelio from Bucharest Lakes

Researchers compared antioxidative responses and gut microbiome changes in Prussian carp collected from polluted and less-polluted lakes in Bucharest, finding that fish from more contaminated sites showed elevated oxidative stress markers and altered microbial communities consistent with exposure to heavy metals and other aquatic pollutants.

Physical, chemical and toxicological properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in human exposure assessments to contaminated soil and groundwater

Researchers reviewed the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons relevant to human exposure assessment in Romania, identifying gaps in groundwater regulation and proposing methodological guidelines for evaluating PAH exposure through contaminated soil and groundwater pathways.