Papers

Quantification of nanoplastic uptake and distribution in the root, stem and leaves of the edible herb Lepidum sativum

Scientists confirmed that 100-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics can be absorbed by the roots of the edible herb garden cress and travel up through the stem into the leaves. At high concentrations, the nanoplastics significantly reduced germination, plant weight, and root growth, though environmentally realistic levels did not cause visible harm. This finding raises food safety concerns because nanoplastics in agricultural soil could end up in the edible parts of plants that people consume.

Critical evaluation of enzymatic extraction for quantification of europium-doped polystyrene nanoplastics in tomato tissues by single particle ICP-MS

Researchers evaluated an analytical method combining enzymatic extraction with single particle ICP-MS to measure europium-doped polystyrene nanoplastics in tomato tissues. The study found that while the method worked well for spiked samples with 85-116% recovery, real plant tissues that had grown with nanoplastic exposure showed much lower extraction efficiencies, with most europium found in ionic rather than particle form due to extensive leaching.

Functional Nanocellulose, Alginate and Chitosan Nanocomposites Designed as Active Film Packaging Materials

Researchers formulated and characterized 25 nanocellulose-based composite films using cellulose nanocrystals, nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose combined with chitosan and alginate, finding that combinations with chitosan generally provided the best mechanical and barrier properties for potential food packaging use.

Evaluation of the sorption/desorption processes of pesticides in biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture

Researchers evaluated how biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture interact with pesticide residues compared to conventional polyethylene films. The study found that biodegradable films actually retained higher amounts of pesticide residues and released less back into the soil than polyethylene, suggesting that these supposedly greener alternatives may act as more persistent reservoirs for agricultural chemical contaminants.

Exploring sorption of pesticides and PAHs in microplastics derived from plastic mulch films used in modern agriculture

Researchers investigated how microplastics derived from agricultural mulch films sorb pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, finding significant uptake that could facilitate transfer of these contaminants through farming environments.

Presence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers in hyporheic zone alters colonization patterns and seasonal dynamics of biofilm metabolic functioning

PET microfibers added to stream mesocosms colonized by biofilms altered microbial community composition and reduced ecosystem metabolic rates during summer but not winter, with effects dependent on seasonal temperature and biofilm maturity, demonstrating that microplastic fiber impacts on stream biogeochemistry are temporally variable.

Microplastic pollution in small rivers along rural–urban gradients: Variations across catchments and between water column and sediments

This study compared microplastic pollution in water column and sediments of two small Slovenian rivers with different levels of urbanization and wastewater treatment plant influence. Microplastic concentrations differed significantly between water samples from the two rivers but not in sediments, with fibers dominating in both matrices.

Critical evaluation of biodegradation studies on synthetic plastics through a systematic literature review

A systematic review of 145 studies identified the bacteria known to break down synthetic plastics, finding most belong to just a few bacterial groups and nearly half of studies focused on polyethylene. The review calls for standardized methods and more rigorous research to develop practical plastic biodegradation technologies.

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometric analysis of polymer surfaces: A review

This review examines time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) as a surface-sensitive analytical technique for characterizing polymer chemistry, highlighting its superior compound specificity compared to XPS and Auger electron spectroscopy for polymer surface analysis.

Review of Bioplastics Characterisation by Terahertz Techniques in the View of Ensuring a Circular Economy

Not directly relevant to microplastics — this review covers the use of terahertz spectroscopy and imaging for characterising bioplastic materials in the context of quality control and circular economy manufacturing.

The importance of population contextual data for large-scale biomonitoring using an apex predator: The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)

Researchers assessed the value of tawny owls as sentinel species for large-scale contaminant monitoring, finding that accounting for population-level ecological traits such as diet and dispersal significantly improves the interpretation of spatial patterns in contaminant exposure.

From macro to micro: Comprehensive marine beach litter analysis using portable NIR

Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of marine beach litter using portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, combining macro-litter surveys with microplastic characterisation to assess polymer composition and pollution levels. The study demonstrated that portable NIR technology can bridge the gap between macro- and micro-scale beach litter monitoring, offering a practical tool for national marine litter surveillance programmes.

Addressing SERS challenges of nanoplastics with vertical plasmonic substrates

Plasmonic Carbonaceous Nanotemplates for Microplastics Raman Detection

Scientists developed a carbon-based nanostructure platform that enhances Raman spectroscopy signals, enabling more sensitive and accurate detection of microplastics in environmental samples. This tool could improve monitoring of microplastic pollution at concentrations previously too low to measure reliably.

Changes in concentrations of potentially toxic elements during storage of hard river water samples at low temperatures using different sample preservation procedures

Researchers compared two sample preservation procedures - on-site filtration and acidification before freezing versus freezing then thawing before filtration - for determining potentially toxic element concentrations in hard river water by ICP-MS. They found that freezing unfiltered hard water samples can trigger calcium carbonate precipitation and co-precipitation of trace elements, potentially biasing monitored concentrations and challenging the Water Framework Directive-recommended protocol.

Innovative aspects of environmental chemistry and technology regarding air, water, and soil pollution

Preliminary experiments into colonization of microorganisms from activated sludge on different types of plastics

Researchers conducted preliminary experiments on how microorganisms from activated sludge colonize different types of plastic surfaces. The study characterized early biofilm formation on plastics in freshwater conditions to better understand the plastisphere in non-marine environments.