Papers

The potential of micro- and nanoplastics to exacerbate the health impacts and global burden of non-communicable diseases

This review presents evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may worsen non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness by fueling chronic inflammation in the body. The authors also propose that people already suffering from these diseases may absorb even more microplastics due to their weakened tissue barriers, creating a harmful feedback loop.

Piezoresistive materials based on natural polymers for medical device applications

This review explores how natural polymer-based materials with piezoresistive properties, meaning they change electrical resistance under pressure, can be used in flexible medical sensors. Researchers highlight how these materials offer advantages over synthetic alternatives because they are biocompatible and reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics. The study suggests these natural polymer sensors could play a growing role in wearable health monitoring devices.

Microplastic fibre releases from industrial wastewater effluent: a textile wet-processing mill in China

Researchers sampled industrial wastewater from a textile wet-processing mill in China and found an average of 361.6 microplastic fibers per liter in the effluent, with 92% shorter than 1000 micrometers. The study suggests that industrial textile processing is a significant point source of microplastic fiber pollution that has been understudied relative to domestic laundering, and that targeting these effluents could meaningfully reduce global microfiber releases.

Plastic waste and microplastic issues in Southeast Asia

This review examines the plastic waste and microplastic crisis across Southeast Asia, a region that contributes significantly to global ocean plastic pollution. The authors found that inadequate waste collection, limited recycling infrastructure, and rapid economic growth are driving the problem. The study evaluates current waste management systems and proposes strategies for improving plastic waste reduction in these countries.

Airborne microplastic emissions from synthetic sports surfaces and associated health risks to children

This review examines synthetic sports surfaces like tracks and artificial turf as sources of airborne microplastic emissions in school environments, focusing on health risks to children. The study highlights evidence linking inhaled airborne microplastics to oxidative stress, inflammation, and systemic health effects, noting that children face heightened vulnerability due to their physiology and activity patterns on these surfaces.

Filtration Solutions for Microplastic Mitigation: Cutting-Edge Filtration Technologies and Membrane Innovations for Environmental Protection

This review focused on membrane-based filtration technologies—including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration—as strategies for removing microplastics from water. The authors evaluated removal efficiencies across membrane types and concluded that while membranes show strong performance, fouling and operational costs remain barriers to large-scale deployment.

A Roadmap for Integrating Sustainability into Software Engineering Education

This paper presents a roadmap for integrating sustainability principles into software engineering education, outlining how curricula can be redesigned to equip future developers with the knowledge to build environmentally and socially responsible software systems.

Developing Human Noncancer and Reproductive/Developmental Effect Factors for Nano- and Microplastics in LCA

Identification and quantification of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques in Johannesburg East, South Africa

Researchers at two Johannesburg wastewater treatment works found extremely high concentrations of microplastics — over 3,000 particles per liter of influent — with the treatment processes removing most but not all particles before discharge. The study fills a data gap for South Africa and confirms that wastewater plants in the region are both a sink and a residual source of microplastic pollution into receiving water bodies.

A source-to-sea governance assessment framework; the case of Tyre Wear Particles (TWP) regulation in the European Union 

This study proposes a source-to-sea governance assessment framework and applies it to Tyre Wear Particles (TWP) regulation in the European Union, analyzing how transboundary land-to-sea microplastic pollution pathways require coordinated governance spanning manufacturing, trading, and waste management.

The EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive and corporate narrative disclosure practices: the case of the fashion industry

This paper examines non-financial sustainability reporting practices in the European fashion industry under the EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive, analyzing how well companies disclose their environmental and social impacts including textile waste and microplastic fiber pollution. It identifies gaps and proposes improvements to reporting standards.