Papers

Immunological, neurological, and intestinal changes in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) exposed to the combined toxicity of Pyrogallol and microplastics

Crayfish exposed to both the chemical pyrogallol and microplastics together suffered worse immune suppression, nerve damage, and intestinal injury than those exposed to either pollutant alone. This synergistic effect is concerning because aquatic organisms face mixtures of pollutants in real waterways, and the combined damage can move up the food chain to affect the safety of seafood consumed by humans.

Exploring the Coexposure Effects of Pyrogallol and Microplastic on the Red Swamp Crayfish <i>Procambarus clarkii</i>

Researchers exposed freshwater crayfish to microplastics and pyrogallol (a plant-derived chemical) both alone and together, and found that the combination caused worse damage than either pollutant alone. The crayfish showed liver damage, reduced antioxidant defenses, and immune system changes. Since crayfish are a common food source, this study highlights how microplastics interacting with other environmental chemicals could affect food safety.

Microplastics induced histopathological lesions in some tissues of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) early juveniles

Researchers exposed young tilapia fish to different concentrations of microplastics for 15 days to study effects on their organs. The study found damage across multiple tissues including the kidney, liver, pancreas, gills, and muscles, with effects ranging from inflammation and cell death to structural deformation. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure can cause widespread organ damage in fish even at relatively low concentrations.

Identification of quorum sensing-regulated Vibrio fortis as potential pathogenic bacteria for coral bleaching and the effects on the microbial shift

Researchers identified a species of Vibrio bacteria regulated by quorum sensing that can cause coral bleaching when it infects reef corals. Infection led to significant shifts in the coral's microbial community, disrupting the balance of beneficial symbionts. The study suggests that bacterial pathogens driven by coastal pollution may play a key role in coral reef degradation.

Toxicity of co-exposure of microplastics and lead in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Researchers exposed African catfish to lead, microplastics, and a combination of both for 15 days and found that the combined exposure was more harmful than either pollutant alone. The mixture caused the greatest damage to blood cells, triggered stronger inflammatory responses, and disrupted the fish's antioxidant defenses. Since microplastics can carry heavy metals like lead on their surfaces, this study shows how microplastics may amplify the toxic effects of other pollutants in freshwater fish that people eat.

Muti-Biomarker Approach and IBR Index to Evaluate the Oxidative Stress of Nanoplastic on the Clams, Meretrix meretrix and Sinonovacula constricta

Novel trimetallic (TiO ₂ –MgO–Au) nanoparticles: Biosynthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities

Researchers used banana peel extract to synthesize novel trimetallic nanoparticles combining titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, and gold, then tested their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. The nanoparticles showed strong activity against several bacterial strains and inhibited biofilm formation by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They also demonstrated significant toxicity against breast and liver cancer cell lines, suggesting potential as therapeutic agents.

Utilizing the potential of Saussurea lappa in aquaculture industry: a review on immune enhancement and pollution remediation

This review examines the potential of Saussurea lappa, a medicinal plant, as a natural immune booster and pollution remediation tool in aquaculture. Researchers found that compounds from the plant show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that could help farmed fish resist disease. The study highlights the plant as a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals in fish farming.

Assessment the effect of exposure to microplastics in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) early juvenile: I. blood biomarkers

Researchers exposed juvenile Nile tilapia to different concentrations of microplastics for 15 days followed by a 15-day recovery period and measured blood biomarkers. They found dose-dependent changes in biochemical and hematological parameters, including elevated liver enzymes, altered blood cell counts, and increased glucose levels. Many of these effects persisted even after the recovery period, suggesting that microplastic exposure can cause lasting physiological stress in young freshwater fish.

Metabolomics reveals that PS-NPs promote lung injury by regulating prostaglandin B1 through the cGAS-STING pathway

Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics activate the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway in human lung cells and macrophages at near-environmental concentrations, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic disruption — and that supplementing prostaglandin B1, a nanoplastic-depleted metabolite, partially reversed these effects.

Neurotoxic effects of different sizes of plastics (nano, micro, and macro) on juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Researchers assessed the neurotoxic effects of polyethylene plastics at nano, micro, and macro sizes on juvenile common carp brains. The study found that all plastic sizes reduced brain enzyme activity by 30-40%, with smaller particles causing more pronounced effects, and histological examination revealed structural changes in brain tissue, suggesting that size plays a significant role in plastic neurotoxicity.

Microplastic pollution in aquafeed of diverse aquaculture animals

Researchers analyzed commercial aquafeed used for five different farmed aquatic species in China and found microplastics present in all samples. Microfibers were the most common form, with polypropylene as the dominant polymer type, suggesting that feed processing and packaging are the main contamination sources. The findings raise concerns about microplastics entering the human food supply through farmed seafood.

Distribution, abundance, and composition of microplastics in market fishes from the Red and Mediterranean seas in Egypt

Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in commercially sold fish from both the Mediterranean and Red seas in Egypt and found microplastics in 88 percent of the fish examined. Fibers were the most common particle type, and species that feed closer to the seafloor tended to have higher contamination levels. The study raises concerns about human dietary exposure to microplastics through regularly consumed market fish in the region.

Protective efficacy of dietary natural antioxidants on microplastic particles-induced histopathological lesions in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Researchers tested whether dietary natural antioxidants could protect African catfish from tissue damage caused by microplastic ingestion. Fish fed microplastics alone showed significant kidney, liver, and intestinal damage including cellular necrosis and tissue fibrosis, while fish receiving lycopene, citric acid, or chlorella alongside the microplastics showed substantially reduced tissue injury. The study suggests that natural antioxidant supplementation may help mitigate the harmful effects of microplastic exposure in aquaculture species.

Microplastics in marine invertebrates from the Red Sea Coast of Egypt: Abundance, composition, and risks

This is the first study to document microplastics in marine invertebrates along Egypt's Red Sea coast, examining 11 species of clams, snails, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. Every animal sampled contained microplastics, with filter-feeding bivalves showing the highest concentrations per gram of tissue. The plastics identified were linked to tourism-related sources, highlighting how coastal recreation contributes to wildlife contamination.

Antioxidants and molecular damage in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after exposure to microplastics

Researchers exposed juvenile Nile Tilapia to different concentrations of microplastics for 15 days followed by a recovery period. The study found dose-dependent increases in oxidative stress markers, DNA fragmentation, and altered protein patterns in fish exposed to microplastics. Evidence indicates that while fish exposed to the lowest concentration recovered after the treatment ended, higher doses caused more persistent damage.

Methods to alleviate the inhibition of sludge anaerobic digestion by emerging contaminants: a review

This review examines emerging contaminants in sewage sludge, including pharmaceuticals and microplastics, that inhibit the anaerobic digestion process used in wastewater treatment. Researchers found that pharmaceuticals were detected in about 50% of sludge samples, and that remediation methods such as ozonation, electrooxidation, and bioaugmentation can help alleviate inhibition, though liquid digestates still contain concerning pollutant levels.

Microplastics in canned, salt-dried, and instant sea cucumbers sold for human consumption

Researchers tested canned, instant, and salt-dried sea cucumbers purchased from Chinese markets and found microplastics present in the products, with an average of about 1.4 particles per individual animal. The particles were mostly small fibers, and polypropylene was the dominant polymer type identified. The study estimates that regular consumers of sea cucumber products could be exposed to microplastics through their diet, though the daily intake levels were relatively low.

Biochar for agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, water treatment, soil remediation, construction, energy storage, and carbon sequestration: a review

Researchers reviewed the wide-ranging uses of biochar — a charcoal-like material made from burning organic waste — across farming, wastewater treatment, construction, and energy storage as a climate-friendly, multipurpose material. Key findings include that biochar improves livestock gut health, boosts biogas production, and can be incorporated into concrete, making it a promising tool for a circular, lower-carbon economy.

Addressing the Microplastic Dilemma in Soil and Sediment with Focus on Biochar-Based Remediation Techniques: Review

This review examines how biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, can be used to remediate microplastic-contaminated soils and sediments. Researchers found that biochar can adsorb microplastics and reduce their mobility, while also improving overall soil health and microbial activity. The study highlights biochar-based approaches as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for addressing microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments.

Microplastic pollution in surface water and sediments of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Current status and causes

A survey of microplastic pollution across rivers and lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau found surface water concentrations averaging 856 items/m³ and sediment concentrations averaging 362 items/m², with river sediments more contaminated than lake sediments and domestic wastewater and tourism identified as primary sources.

Natural Antioxidants can Improve Microplastics-Induced Male Reproductive Impairment in the African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)

Researchers found that natural antioxidants including lycopene, citric acid, and Chlorella can protect against microplastic-induced reproductive damage in male African catfish, offering potential dietary strategies to mitigate microplastic toxicity in aquaculture.

Irrigation Practices and Their Effects on Soil Quality and Soil Characteristics in Arid Lands: A Comprehensive Geomatic Analysis

Researchers examined the long-term effects of irrigation practices on soil quality and soil characteristics in arid regions of Egypt. They analyzed seventy soil samples for various properties including soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. The study found that irrigation history significantly influenced soil quality metrics, providing insights important for sustainable land management in water-limited agricultural environments.

Existence of microplastics in the edible part of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Researchers demonstrated that microplastics can transfer into the edible body wall of sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus), entering through the outer surface and potentially posing a threat to human health through seafood consumption.