Papers

Do’s and don’ts of microplastic research: a comprehensive guide

This guide, created by surveying researchers in the field, addresses the biggest challenges in microplastic science, including the lack of standardized methods, limited access to analytical equipment, and difficulty replicating real-world exposure levels in lab tests. It provides best practices for defining, sampling, and testing the health effects of microplastics, aiming to make research more consistent and reliable across studies.

Microplastic Toxicity in Aquatic Organisms and Aquatic Ecosystems: a Review

Review of microplastics and chemical risk posed by plastic packaging on the marine environment to inform the Global Plastics Treaty

This review examines how plastic packaging, the largest sector of plastic production, contributes to microplastic pollution in the marine environment and poses chemical risks to both marine life and humans through the food chain. The authors argue that upstream solutions like reducing plastic production and banning harmful chemicals in packaging are essential for an effective Global Plastics Treaty.

Animal migration in the Anthropocene: threats and mitigation options

This review examines the many human-caused threats facing migratory animals worldwide, including habitat loss, climate change, pollution, disease, and overexploitation. While broadly focused on wildlife conservation, the paper is relevant to microplastic research because plastic pollution is identified as one of the threats affecting migratory species across aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial environments. The review emphasizes that these threats often interact in unpredictable ways, making the combined impact worse than any single stressor alone.

A Combined Effect of Mixed Multi-Microplastic Types on Growth and Yield of Tomato

Researchers grew tomatoes in soil spiked with a mixture of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene microplastics and found that while the plants appeared to grow normally, the nutritional quality of the fruit changed. Microplastics significantly reduced carotenoids, flavonoids, and sugars in the tomatoes while increasing protein and certain stress-related enzymes. This suggests that even when crops look healthy, microplastics in soil could subtly reduce the nutritional value of the food we eat.

A comprehensive review of KCC-1 fibrous silica for water treatment

Researchers reviewed how KCC-1, a type of fibrous silica sphere with a uniquely high surface area and porous structure, can be used to remove heavy metals and toxic dyes from contaminated water. Its versatile chemistry and ease of modification make it a promising sustainable adsorbent for addressing global freshwater scarcity.

A Synthesis of Global Coastal Ocean Greenhouse Gas Fluxes

This large-scale study measured greenhouse gas exchanges between the coastal ocean and atmosphere, finding that while coastal waters absorb carbon dioxide, they also release nitrous oxide and methane that offset much of that climate benefit. While focused on greenhouse gases rather than microplastics, the study is relevant because climate change and ocean chemistry changes affect how microplastics behave in marine environments. Warming oceans and changing chemistry could influence how microplastics break down and move through the food chain.

Solutions and Integrated Strategies for the Control and Mitigation of Plastic and Microplastic Pollution

This review evaluates existing strategies for controlling plastic and microplastic pollution and proposes integrated solutions spanning prevention, collection, and treatment. Researchers found that current cleanup efforts cannot keep pace with the volume of plastic entering the environment, making source reduction essential. The study advocates for a combination of policy changes, improved waste management, innovative materials, and public education to address the crisis.

Plastic as a Persistent Marine Pollutant

This paper argues that mismanaged plastic waste should be considered a persistent pollutant similar to DDT or PCBs, given its durability, accumulation in organisms and sediments, and growing evidence of toxicity. Researchers highlight that millions of metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, where it is virtually impossible to remove and persists far longer than on land. The study calls for a Global Convention on Plastic Pollution to coordinate solutions among governments, industry, scientists, and citizens.

A review of the effects of environmental hazards on humans, their remediation for sustainable development, and risk assessment

Researchers reviewed the chemical, biological, and physical agents driving environmental contamination — from heavy metals to microplastics to pathogens — and assessed the remediation strategies and risk assessment frameworks available for sustainable decontamination, advocating for site-specific, plant-based approaches combined with stronger policy support.

Toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on microalgae Chlorella vulgaris: Changes in biomass, photosynthetic pigments and morphology

This study tested how polystyrene nanoplastics of three different sizes affect green algae and found a clear pattern: smaller particles were more toxic than larger ones. The smallest nanoplastics (90 nm) caused the greatest reductions in algal growth and photosynthetic pigments, along with visible changes in cell shape and increased clumping. The findings suggest that as plastics break down into ever-smaller particles in the environment, their potential for biological harm may increase.

Transport and deposition of ocean-sourced microplastic particles by a North Atlantic hurricane

During Hurricane Larry in 2021, researchers collected atmospheric samples over Newfoundland and found that the storm deposited over 113,000 microplastic particles per square meter per day. Analysis suggests the particles were picked up from the North Atlantic garbage patch as the hurricane passed over it. This study shows that major storms can transport ocean microplastics through the air to remote areas, expanding the reach of plastic pollution.

Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations

This review examines how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased plastic pollution through the massive use of disposable personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Researchers warn that this surge in single-use plastics will accelerate the generation of microplastics and nanoplastics in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The study emphasizes the need to balance public health measures with environmental safety and calls for a shift toward sustainable alternatives.

Microplastic fibers in the intertidal ecosystem surrounding Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia

Researchers measured microplastic fiber contamination in intertidal sediments and seawater near Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia, finding fibers at every site sampled. Protected beach environments showed higher concentrations than the exposed beach, likely due to reduced wave energy allowing particles to settle. The study adds to growing evidence that microplastic fibers from synthetic textiles are a widespread contaminant in coastal environments, even in relatively rural areas.

Marine Plastic Debris: A New Surface for Microbial Colonization

This review examines the "Plastisphere" -- the community of microbes that rapidly colonizes plastic debris in the ocean -- covering biofilm development, potential biodegradation, and the hitchhiking of harmful bacteria. Researchers found that microbial communities on plastics do not dramatically differ from those on other inert surfaces, especially in mature biofilms. The study identifies key knowledge gaps and calls for more environmentally realistic research into how these plastic-associated microbes interact with marine ecosystems.

Governance Strategies for Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in the Marine Environment: A Review

This review assessed the sources, spread, and impacts of microplastic pollution in marine environments and evaluated existing governance strategies for addressing the problem. Researchers found significant gaps in management approaches, including limited community involvement in monitoring and a lack of standardized mitigation strategies for coastal areas. The study calls for stronger policy interventions, more citizen science initiatives, and coordinated international efforts to reduce microplastic pollution in the oceans.

Toxic effects on enzymatic activity, gene expression and histopathological biomarkers in organisms exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics: a review

This review summarizes research from 2016 to 2021 on how microplastics and nanoplastics affect enzymatic activity, gene expression, and tissue structure across various organisms. Researchers found that these plastic particles can disrupt normal enzyme function, alter gene regulation, and cause visible tissue damage in species ranging from fish to mammals. The study identifies these biological markers as valuable tools for assessing the health impacts of plastic particle exposure.

Plastics can be used more sustainably in agriculture

Researchers reviewed how plastics used in farming — from mulch films to storage bins — are building up in soils worldwide, and mapped out practical strategies to curb the problem. They conclude that while plastics can't be fully replaced yet without harming food security, smarter use, better recycling, and biodegradable alternatives are essential steps forward.

Micro (nano) plastics uptake, toxicity and detoxification in plants: Challenges and prospects

This review examines how micro and nanoplastics are taken up by plants, covering their toxic effects on growth and gene expression as well as potential detoxification strategies. Smaller nanoplastics can penetrate plant cell walls and accumulate in tissues, causing oxidative stress and genetic damage. The findings are important for human health because contaminated crops could transfer microplastics directly into the food supply.

Biological interactions of polystyrene nanoplastics: Their cytotoxic and immunotoxic effects on the hepatic and enteric systems

Researchers exposed mouse and human liver cells and live mice to polystyrene nanoplastics of five different sizes and found that the smallest particles were most toxic in lab dishes, while medium and large particles caused the most liver damage in living animals. The larger particles triggered immune responses by recruiting inflammatory cells to the liver and intestines, causing tissue damage. This study reveals that nanoplastic size matters in unexpected ways, and that lab tests alone may not predict which particles are most dangerous in the body.

Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution

This review surveys the sources, occurrence, and potential human health impacts of microplastic pollution across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Researchers found that microplastics originate from a wide range of sources including textiles, packaging, and wastewater treatment plants, and can carry toxic chemicals into ecosystems. The study highlights the need for improved waste management strategies and further research into the long-term health effects of chronic microplastic exposure.

Morphological, physiological, and molecular responses of Perilla frutescens to copper stress alleviated by PVC microplastics

Researchers discovered that low concentrations of PVC microplastics can actually reduce the harmful effects of copper on perilla plants, an important crop. The microplastics appeared to help by improving cell membrane function, suppressing stress hormones, and adjusting fat metabolism pathways. While this does not mean microplastics are beneficial overall, the study reveals surprisingly complex interactions between plastic pollution and heavy metals in agricultural environments.

Atmospheric deposition drives microplastic contamination in remote lakes of Newfoundland, Canada

Researchers found significant microplastic contamination in lake sediments across remote areas of Newfoundland, Canada, with concentrations between 6,000 and 24,000 particles per kilogram. Because the lakes are in sparsely populated areas with minimal water inflow, the pollution is attributed to atmospheric transport via wind, rain, and snow from distant sources. The study demonstrates that microplastics can travel through the atmosphere and accumulate even in isolated, high-latitude freshwater environments.

Key methodological priorities for establishing a microplastics detection laboratory

This guide outlines the key methodological priorities for researchers setting up a new microplastics detection laboratory, covering instrument selection, sample preparation, quality control, and contamination prevention. Researchers emphasize that inconsistent methods across labs remain a major barrier to comparing results in the field. The study provides practical recommendations for standardizing microplastic analysis to improve data reliability and reproducibility.