Papers

Global Meta-Analysis Integrated with Machine Learning Assesses Context-Dependent Microplastic Effects on Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen

This global meta-analysis pooled data from 90 studies to examine how microplastics affect soil microbes. In lab settings, microplastics increased microbial biomass by about 10%, with biodegradable plastics having the strongest effects. Temperature was the most important factor influencing these changes. The results suggest microplastics are altering soil ecosystems in ways that could affect agriculture and carbon cycling.

Soil pollution in the European Union – An outlook

This review assesses the state of soil pollution across the European Union, finding that contamination from heavy metals, pesticides, and emerging pollutants like microplastics is widespread but poorly monitored. The authors call for standardized measurement methods and updated regulations, noting that soil pollution can affect human health through contaminated crops and drinking water.

Soil contamination in nearby natural areas mirrors that in urban greenspaces worldwide

A global study found that soil contamination in natural areas is just as bad as in nearby urban green spaces, with similar levels of heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes. Human activity was the main driver of contamination regardless of whether the area was urban or natural. The findings show that microplastic pollution and other contaminants have spread far beyond cities, potentially affecting soil health and the food grown in these areas.

The effect of environmental stressors on growth in fish and its endocrine control

This review examines how environmental stressors, including pollution and climate change, affect fish growth through hormonal disruption. Pollutants like microplastics and heavy metals can interfere with the growth hormone system, leading to stunted development and reproductive problems in fish. These effects on fish health are relevant to humans because they can reduce the quality and safety of fish as a food source.

How biochar works, and when it doesn't: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar

This comprehensive review synthesizes 20 years of research on biochar, a charcoal-like material made from organic waste that can improve soil health and reduce pollution. Biochar can reduce plant uptake of heavy metals by 17-39% and increase nutrient availability, making it potentially useful for cleaning up microplastic-contaminated soils. While not directly about microplastics, the findings are relevant because biochar could help mitigate the effects of soil pollutants that microplastics carry and concentrate.

One hundred priority questions for advancing seagrass conservation in Europe

European researchers identified 100 key questions that need answering to better protect seagrass ecosystems, which are underwater meadows vital for carbon storage, biodiversity, and coastal protection. While not directly about microplastics, seagrass beds act as filters that can trap microplastic pollution and are themselves threatened by it. Protecting these ecosystems could play an important role in reducing microplastic contamination in coastal waters.

Global assessment of marine plastic exposure risk for oceanic birds

Researchers combined ocean plastic density maps with GPS tracking data for over 7,000 seabirds across 77 petrel species to identify where birds are most likely to encounter and accidentally eat plastic debris. High-risk zones were identified in the Mediterranean, northeast Pacific, and South Atlantic, with threatened species facing disproportionately greater exposure — often in international waters beyond any single country's control.

Key insights into microplastic pollution in agricultural soils: A comprehensive review of worldwide trends, sources, distribution, characteristics and analytical approaches

Microplastics in the stomach content of the commercial fish species Scomber colias in the Gulf of Cadiz, SW Europe

Scientists examined the stomachs of 104 Atlantic chub mackerel from the Gulf of Cadiz and found that over 90% contained microplastics, with an average of about 5 particles per fish. Fibers made up 91% of the microplastics found, and the most common polymer was polyamide (nylon). Since this mackerel species is widely consumed by people, the consistent presence of microplastics in their stomachs raises questions about how much plastic is transferred to humans through seafood.

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.

Roadmap for the integration of gastro‐intestinal (GI) tract microbiomes (human and domestic animal) in risk assessments under EFSA's remit

This report presents a roadmap for incorporating gut microbiome research into food safety assessments for both humans and farm animals. It examines how dietary chemicals including contaminants and additives can disrupt gut bacteria, damage the intestinal barrier, and trigger inflammation. The findings are relevant to microplastics because they are an emerging dietary contaminant shown to alter gut microbiota, and this framework could help regulators assess the health risks of microplastic ingestion.

Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon

This review examines the conservation status of marine mammals, which play important ecological roles and serve as indicators of ocean health. The researchers found that at least 25% of marine mammal species are classified as threatened, facing risks from climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution, and maritime development. The study outlines research priorities and conservation strategies needed to protect at-risk species while building on recent recovery successes.

Man and the Last Great Wilderness: Human Impact on the Deep Sea

This comprehensive review assessed human impacts on the deep sea, the largest and least studied ecosystem on Earth. Researchers found that the most significant threats have shifted from waste disposal in past decades to resource exploitation today, with climate change and ocean acidification predicted to become the dominant concern going forward.

A template wizard for the cocreation of machine-readable data-reporting to harmonize the evaluation of (nano)materials

Researchers created a user-friendly tool called the Template Wizard that helps scientists record and share their nanomaterial safety data in standardized, machine-readable formats. The tool includes over 60 templates for common experiments in nanosafety research, including toxicity testing. While focused on data management rather than microplastics directly, standardized reporting of nanoplastic safety data is critical for building a reliable evidence base on the health risks of micro- and nanoplastics.

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.

Presence of microplastics in the groundwater of volcanic islands, El Hierro and La Palma (Canary Islands)

For the first time, researchers detected microplastics in the groundwater of volcanic islands El Hierro and La Palma in the Canary Islands, finding six different plastic types at concentrations up to 23 particles per liter. Polypropylene and polyethylene from packaging and water pipes were the most common, likely entering groundwater through leaky sewage systems. This finding is alarming because groundwater is often considered a clean water source, and its contamination with microplastics means even remote island communities face exposure through their drinking water.

Climate change influence on the levels and trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and chemicals of emerging Arctic concern (CEACs) in the Arctic physical environment – a review

This review examined how climate change is reshaping the movement and distribution of persistent organic pollutants and emerging contaminants across Arctic environments, including air, ice, permafrost, and water. Researchers found that melting permafrost, retreating sea ice, and changing precipitation patterns are releasing stored contaminants and altering how chemicals circulate through the Arctic. The study identifies microplastics as an emerging Arctic contamination concern that needs more research attention.

Holistic assessment of chemical and biological pollutants in a Mediterranean wastewater effluent-dominated stream: Interactions and ecological impacts

Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of pollution downstream from a wastewater treatment plant discharge into a Mediterranean river in Spain. They found elevated levels of pharmaceuticals, metals, microplastics, PFAS chemicals, and antibiotic resistance genes below the discharge point, though some recovery occurred within about 500 meters downstream. The study demonstrates that even treated wastewater significantly alters river water quality and microbial communities, highlighting the need for improved treatment technologies.

Distinctive lipidomic responses induced by polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics in zebrafish liver cells

Researchers compared how micro-sized and nano-sized polystyrene plastic particles affect fat metabolism in zebrafish liver cells. They found that both sizes were taken up by cells, but the smaller nanoplastics caused more pronounced disruptions to lipid profiles and triggered cell death pathways. The findings underscore that particle size matters when assessing the biological impact of plastic pollution on fish.

Can bioplastics always offer a truly sustainable alternative to fossil‐based plastics?

This review asks whether bioplastics truly offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics in all situations. Researchers found that while biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental persistence, they are not a silver bullet and should not replace proper waste management. The study suggests that bioplastics work best as part of a broader circular economy strategy rather than a simple swap for traditional plastics.

Development of a New Aggregation Method to Remove Nanoplastics from the Ocean: Proof of Concept Using Mussel Exposure Tests

Researchers developed a new chemical method to aggregate and remove nanoplastics from seawater, then tested whether the treatment was safe for marine organisms using mussels. The aggregation approach successfully clumped tiny plastic particles together for easier removal, and mussels exposed to the treated water showed no significant negative effects compared to controls. The proof-of-concept study offers a potential strategy for cleaning nanoplastic contamination from marine environments without harming sea life.

Phytomanagement of Metal(loid)-Contaminated Soils: Options, Efficiency and Value

This review examines phytomanagement as a nature-based approach for recovering soils contaminated with metals and metalloids. Researchers found that using plants and associated microorganisms, combined with appropriate site management, can effectively restore soil ecological functions while providing economic value through biomass production. The study suggests that phytomanagement offers a sustainable alternative to conventional soil remediation techniques for large contaminated areas.

Use of the Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 Satellites for Water Quality Monitoring: An Early Warning Tool in the Mar Menor Coastal Lagoon

Researchers used Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellites to monitor water quality during the 2021 ecological crisis in Mar Menor, a large coastal lagoon in the Western Mediterranean. The satellite-based methods accurately measured chlorophyll-a and turbidity with low error margins, enabling identification of eutrophication hotspots. The study demonstrates that satellite remote sensing can serve as a cost-effective early warning tool for monitoring water quality in coastal environments.

Longitudinal study on the multifactorial public health risks associated with sewage reclamation

Researchers monitored six Spanish wastewater treatment plants over a full year and found that while the plants effectively removed respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2, microplastics and antibiotic-resistance genes persisted in both treated effluent and sewage sludge released into the environment. The findings underscore that current wastewater treatment is not designed to eliminate these emerging contaminants, raising concerns about their spread through recycled water and biosolids.