Papers

Molecular mechanisms by which polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic and PET leachate promote the growth of benthic cyanobacteria

Researchers found that PET microplastics and the chemicals they release into water promoted the growth of toxic bottom-dwelling algae by 39-63%, which in turn increased harmful toxin levels in the water. This is concerning for human health because these toxins threaten drinking water safety, and microplastics accumulating at the bottom of lakes and rivers are making the problem worse.

Effect of polypropylene microplastics on the performance of membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment

Researchers studied how polypropylene microplastics affect membrane bioreactors, a type of wastewater treatment system. They found that while these systems can effectively filter out microplastics, higher concentrations and smaller particle sizes caused membrane clogging and reduced treatment efficiency over time, which is important for designing better wastewater treatment facilities.

Effects of UV-based oxidation processes on the degradation of microplastic: Fragmentation, organic matter release, toxicity and disinfection byproduct formation

This study examined how UV-based water treatment processes break down microplastics, finding that while the treatments fragment the plastics into smaller pieces, they also release potentially toxic organic compounds. The smaller fragments and released chemicals may actually pose greater risks than the original microplastics. This is an important finding because it suggests that some water purification methods could unintentionally make microplastic pollution more hazardous to human health.

Rapid urban expansion and potential disaster risk on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in the 21st century

This study mapped rapid urban expansion on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from 2000 to 2020, finding a growth rate over 252%, much higher than national and global averages. While not directly about microplastics, rapid urbanization is a major driver of plastic pollution because it brings more packaging, construction materials, and waste to areas with limited infrastructure. The environmental fragility of this high-altitude region makes it particularly vulnerable to emerging pollutants like microplastics.

Characteristics analysis of plastisphere biofilm and effect of aging products on nitrogen metabolizing flora in microcosm wetlands experiment

Researchers placed three types of plastic in miniature constructed wetlands for 180 days and tracked how they aged and affected microbial communities. The plastics degraded at different rates, with PVC developing new chemical groups and all surfaces becoming less water-repellent as bacteria colonized them. The plastic surfaces altered nitrogen-processing bacteria in the wetland water, suggesting microplastics can disrupt nutrient cycling in natural wetland ecosystems.

Novel CuMgAlTi-LDH Photocatalyst for Efficient Degradation of Microplastics under Visible Light Irradiation

Scientists developed a new photocatalyst material that breaks down polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics under visible light. The catalyst achieved significant degradation rates and worked through generating reactive oxygen species that attack plastic surfaces. This technology offers a promising green approach to removing microplastic pollution from water.

Effects of physicochemical factors on transport and retention of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in homogeneous and heterogeneous saturated porous media

Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics move through different types of underground soil and sand formations. They found that smaller sand grains, higher salt concentrations, and the presence of calcium ions all increased microplastic retention, while mixed soil layers created preferential flow paths that allowed some particles to break through faster. The findings help explain how microplastics could potentially contaminate groundwater aquifers.

Microplastic surface biofilms: a review of structural assembly, influencing factors, and ecotoxicity

This review explores how microbial biofilms form on microplastic surfaces in natural environments, creating tiny ecosystems known as the plastisphere. Researchers found that these biofilms change the physical and chemical properties of microplastics and can significantly alter their toxicity to living organisms. The study emphasizes that most toxicity research still uses pristine microplastics, which may not accurately reflect the real-world risks posed by biofilm-coated particles.

Coconut-shell biochar fixed-bed for groundwater remediation: Co-removal of microplastics and perfluorooctanoic acid

Effects of ionic strength, cation type and pH on the cotransport of microplastics with PFOA in saturated porous media

Researchers investigated how microplastics and the chemical contaminant PFOA interact when traveling together through saturated soil. The study found that microplastics generally inhibited PFOA transport through adsorption, while PFOA accelerated microplastic movement through electrostatic effects, demonstrating that co-contamination can alter the environmental fate of both pollutants.

China's marine environmental public interest litigation: current situation, challenges, and improvement approach –analysis based on 339 cases

This study analyzed 339 marine environmental public interest litigation cases in China, examining current challenges and potential improvements in how the legal system addresses marine pollution and ecological damage. Researchers found that while the legal framework is developing, inconsistencies in case handling and enforcement remain significant barriers to effective ocean environmental protection.

Combined toxicity of microplastics and arsenic to earthworm (Eisenia fetida): a comparison of polyethylene, polylactic acid, and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate

Researchers compared how conventional polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics (PLA and PBAT) interact with arsenic in soil using earthworms as a model organism over 28 days. The study found that all microplastic types reduced arsenic bioaccumulation in earthworm tissues, with biodegradable plastics showing stronger reductions, though co-exposure still caused physiological and oxidative stress effects.

The removal efficiency and mechanism of microplastic enhancement by positive modification dissolved air flotation

Researchers enhanced dissolved air flotation by modifying the process with positively charged surfaces to improve microplastic removal from freshwater, finding that the modified approach significantly outperformed conventional dissolved air flotation across three common polymer types.

Biodegradable biopolymers for active packaging: demand, development and directions

This review examines how biodegradable biopolymers can be used for active food packaging, addressing both plastic waste and food waste challenges while meeting industry demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Environmental fate and ecotoxicological behaviors of emerging contaminants in water supply systems

Hetero-aggregation of microplastics in algal-rich natural water: Evolution of foulant characteristics and ultrafiltration membrane fouling behavior

Advanced perspectives on MXene composite nanomaterials: Types synthetic methods, thermal energy utilization and 3D-printed techniques

Researchers reviewed MXene, a family of ultra-thin 2D nanomaterials, and their composites for applications in heat storage, solar energy conversion, and 3D printing inks, finding photo-to-thermal and electro-to-thermal conversion efficiencies of 80–90%. The review also explores future uses in hydrogen storage, carbon capture, and environmental pollution cleanup.

Aging of polypropylene plastic and impacts on microbial community structure in constructed wetlands

This study examined how aging of polypropylene plastic from COVID-19 disposable masks affects microbial community structure in constructed wetland ecosystems. Results showed that weathered polypropylene altered the composition and function of wetland microbial communities, with implications for wetland biogeochemical cycling and pollutant treatment capacity.

Behaviour of M. aeruginosa–Microplastic composite pollutants in coagulation and sludge storage

Microcystis aeruginosa extracellular polymers promoted adhesion of microplastics to algal flocs during coagulation, improving MP removal efficiency with polyaluminum chloride, while microplastics had opposite effects on algal removal depending on whether inorganic or organic coagulants were used.

Effects of different oxidants on the behaviour of microplastic hetero-aggregates

Researchers studied how different oxidants (ozone, chlorine, UV) affect the aggregation and settling behavior of microplastics in water treatment, finding that oxidation altered surface chemistry and changed hetero-aggregate formation with natural particles. The results have implications for predicting microplastic removal efficiency in drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.

A DPSIR Framework to Evaluate and Predict the Development of Prefabricated Buildings: A Case Study

This paper is not directly about microplastics — it applies the DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-States-Impacts-Responses) framework combined with TOPSIS and grey prediction models to evaluate and forecast the development of prefabricated building construction in China's Shandong province.

Effects of Different Oxidants on the Behaviour of Microplastic Hetero-Aggregates

Secondary pollution of microplastic hetero-aggregates after chlorination: Released contaminants rarely re-adsorbed by the second-formed hetero-aggregates

Researchers found that microplastic hetero-aggregates in urban water act like 'time bombs': chlorination during water treatment destroys the aggregates and triggers the release of accumulated organic contaminants and microbial metabolites that are poorly re-adsorbed afterward.

Competitive adsorption of lead and cadmium onto nanoplastics with different charges: Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy study

Researchers investigated how nanoplastics with different surface charges compete to adsorb the heavy metals lead and cadmium, finding that negatively charged nanoplastics bound more of both metals and that lead consistently outcompeted cadmium for binding sites. These results reveal that the surface chemistry of nanoplastics shapes their capacity to carry toxic metals through the environment, with implications for combined heavy-metal and nanoplastic risk in aquatic ecosystems.