Papers

Effects of micro- and nanoplastic exposure on macrophages: a review of molecular and cellular mechanisms

This review details how macrophages, key immune cells, respond when they engulf micro- and nanoplastics. The particles trigger inflammatory signaling, damage mitochondria and lysosomes, cause excessive production of harmful reactive oxygen species, and can lead to cell death, while in fat tissue they promote fat buildup and insulin resistance.

Removal of microplastics by algal biomass from aqueous solutions: performance, optimization, and modeling

Researchers found that algae (Chlorella vulgaris) can remove up to 73% of polystyrene microplastics from water under optimized conditions. Using algae as a natural, eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments offers a sustainable approach to cleaning up microplastic pollution in water systems without introducing additional harmful substances.

Occurrence and health risk assessment of microplastics in beverages and ice packs

Researchers found an average of 183 microplastic particles per liter in beverages and 179 particles per liter in ice packs, mostly polypropylene and PET from packaging. Adults are estimated to consume about 5.5 microplastic particles per kilogram of body weight daily through beverages, making packaged drinks a significant and underappreciated source of human microplastic exposure.

Polyethylene microplastics as adsorbent of diazinon in aqueous environments: optimization, and modeling, isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies

This study found that polyethylene microplastics readily absorb diazinon, a common pesticide, from water -- removing up to 92% of the pesticide from clean water by binding it to their surface. While this might seem like removal, it means microplastics in the environment can concentrate pesticides and carry them into organisms, potentially increasing human exposure to harmful chemicals through contaminated water and food.

Adsorption of tetracycline on polyvinyl chloride microplastics in aqueous environments

This study found that PVC microplastics in water can absorb up to 93% of the antibiotic tetracycline under certain conditions. This means microplastics may act as carriers for antibiotics and other pollutants, potentially delivering harmful chemicals into drinking water and the food chain. The findings highlight how microplastics can make other environmental contaminants more dangerous to human health.

Recent progress on the toxic effects of microplastics on Chlorella sp. in aquatic environments

This review summarizes research on how microplastics affect Chlorella, a type of green algae that forms the base of aquatic food chains. Microplastics can slow algae growth, cause oxidative stress, and disrupt photosynthesis, which matters for human health because damage to these foundational organisms can ripple up through the food web and affect the quality of water and seafood.

Microplastics and environmental effects: investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic habitats and their impact on human health

This review summarizes existing research on microplastics in aquatic environments and their effects on human health, noting that these particles have now been detected in human lungs, blood, liver, breast milk, and placenta. Microplastics can enter the body through food and air, disrupt the gut microbiome, and carry absorbed pollutants that may cause inflammation and other health problems. The authors call for improved removal technologies and stronger policies to reduce human exposure.

Evaluation of the rate of Chlorella vulgaris biofilm on polyvinyl chloride microplastics in aqueous solutions

This study examined how the green algae Chlorella vulgaris forms biofilms on PVC microplastic surfaces in water. The algae colonized the microplastics rapidly, creating a living coating that changed the particles' behavior in the environment. This matters because biofilm-coated microplastics can carry microorganisms through water systems and into the food chain, potentially affecting water treatment and human health.

Advances in metal-organic frameworks for microplastic removal from aquatic environments: Mechanisms and performance insights

Researchers reviewed over 65 studies on using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — highly porous, sponge-like materials — to remove microplastics from water, finding some MOFs achieved up to 98% removal efficiency and could be reused six times, making them a promising filtration technology for microplastic pollution.

Use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as new technique to remove polystyrene from aqueous medium: modeling, optimization, and performance

Researchers tested whether common baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) could remove polystyrene microplastics from water, achieving up to 95% removal under optimized conditions. The yeast works as a natural clumping agent that binds to microplastic particles and helps them settle out of the water. This low-cost, non-toxic approach could offer a practical biological method for cleaning microplastics from contaminated water.

Assessment of microplastic release from facial and body scrubs in aquatic ecosystems

Researchers analyzed six popular face and body scrub products and found an average of nearly 300 microplastic particles per gram, predominantly made of polyethylene in irregular shapes, estimating that significant quantities of these particles are released into waterways through wastewater treatment systems with each use.

Effect of ozonation on the morphological characteristics and adsorption behavior of polystyrene microplastics in aqueous environments

Researchers exposed polystyrene microplastics to ozone treatment and found that the aging process made the particles smaller, more negatively charged, and better at absorbing pollutants from water — meaning weathered microplastics in the environment may carry more harmful chemicals than fresh ones.

Investigation of microplastic pollution in Torghabeh River sediments, northeast of Iran

Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in sediments of the Torghabeh River in northeast Iran. The study found an average concentration of 8 particles per 100 grams of dry sediment, with polystyrene being the most abundant polymer, and areas with greater human activity showing higher levels of microplastic contamination.

Recent progress in biodegradation of microplastics by Aspergillus sp. in aquatic environments

This review examines the potential of various Aspergillus fungal species to biodegrade microplastics in aquatic environments. Researchers found that these fungi can break down multiple types of plastic polymers, with optimal activity in acidic conditions and moderate temperatures. The study highlights Aspergillus-based biodegradation as a promising environmentally friendly approach to managing microplastic pollution in water systems.

Protective effect of curcumin against microplastic and nanoplastics toxicity

Researchers reviewed studies examining whether curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can protect against the toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in the body. Evidence indicates that curcumin helped reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ damage caused by plastic particle exposure across multiple organ systems in animal studies. The review suggests that natural antioxidant compounds like curcumin may hold promise for mitigating some of the harmful effects of plastic pollution on health.

Using Spirulina platensis as a natural biocoagulant for polystyrene removal from aqueous medium: performance, optimization, and modeling

Researchers tested Spirulina platensis, a type of blue-green algae, as a natural coagulant for removing polystyrene microplastics from water. By optimizing conditions like pH, contact time, and dosage, they achieved significant removal of the plastic particles from aqueous solutions. The study suggests that natural biocoagulants could offer an eco-friendly approach to addressing microplastic contamination in water.

Microplastic removal using Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seed from aqueous solutions

Researchers explored using okra seeds as a natural material to remove microplastics from water. They found that okra seed powder effectively removed polyethylene and PVC microplastics through a combination of electrostatic attraction and other surface interactions. The study presents an affordable, plant-based approach that could help address microplastic contamination in drinking water supplies.

Recent advances in dyes uptake by microplastics in aquatic environments: Influencing factors and ecotoxicological behaviors

This review examined how microplastics in water environments can absorb and carry dye pollutants, effectively acting as transport vehicles for these contaminants. Researchers found that environmental factors like water salinity, pH, and temperature, as well as the physical properties of the microplastics themselves, all influence how much dye they can absorb, which has implications for understanding combined pollution risks in aquatic systems.

Adsorption of crystal violet on polystyrene microplastics in aqueous: optimization, modeling, and assessment of isotherms and kinetics

Researchers showed that polystyrene microplastics can efficiently absorb crystal violet dye — a toxic industrial dye — from water, with optimal removal near 85% under controlled conditions. The study highlights that microplastics don't just pollute on their own; they also act as sponges that carry harmful chemical contaminants through aquatic environments.

Investigation of airborne microplastics emission and characteristics in hospital laundry environments

Researchers sampled the air in a hospital laundry environment and found high concentrations of airborne microplastic particles, predominantly polyamide (nylon) fibers. Particle concentrations ranged from roughly 43,000 to 67,000 particles per cubic meter, with black particles making up 97% of the samples. The study raises concerns about inhalation exposure risks for hospital laundry workers and highlights the need for improved ventilation and protective measures in these occupational settings.

Landfill leachates as a significant source for emerging pollutants of phthalic acid esters: Identification, occurrence, characteristics, fate, and transport

This review examines landfill leachates as a major source of phthalic acid esters, which are chemical additives released from microplastics, cosmetics, and other consumer products. Researchers found that these compounds are widespread in landfill leachates across different countries and can contaminate surrounding water and soil. The study suggests that phthalic acid esters in leachates represent a significant but often overlooked pathway for environmental pollution.

Evaluation of the leaching of microplastics from discarded medical masks in aquatic environments: a case study of Mashhad city

Researchers tested ten brands of COVID-19 face masks for microplastic release in water, finding that N95 masks shed the most particles due to their heavier construction, with fibers being the most common shape released. The findings highlight that the billions of disposable masks used globally each month represent a significant and growing source of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.

Colours and microplastics: Bridging the gap between art, science and sustainability

Introduction to Plastic Wastes: Processing Methods, Environmental and Health Implications

This review introduces the environmental and health implications of plastic waste, tracing the dramatic increase in global plastic production from 2 million tons in the 1950s to over 359 million tons by 2018. Researchers discuss various processing methods for plastic waste and highlight the growing concern over microplastic contamination across ecosystems.