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Papers
70 resultsShowing papers from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
ClearFluorescent labeling of micro/nanoplastics for biological applications with a focus on “true-to-life" tracking
This study tested five different fluorescent dyes for tracking microplastics inside cells and living organisms, which is essential for understanding how these particles move through the body. The industrial dye iDye PolyPink performed best -- it stained plastics specifically, did not leak out over time, and did not harm cells. Better tracking methods like this will help researchers study how microplastics travel through and accumulate in human tissues.
A planetary health perspective on menstruation: menstrual equity and climate action
This planetary health review highlights how conventional menstrual hygiene products generate significant plastic waste and contain potentially harmful chemicals, while many people worldwide lack adequate access to menstrual products. Reusable and sustainable alternatives could simultaneously address menstrual equity and reduce environmental plastic pollution.
Evaluating the relationship between microplastics and nanoplastics contamination and diverse cancer types development
This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics found in human tissues may contribute to cancer development through several pathways. These tiny particles can generate harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species, cause chronic inflammation, and disrupt cell growth signals, all of which are known to promote cancer. While long-term, high-level exposure likely poses the greatest risk, more research is needed to understand the full cancer-related dangers of microplastic exposure.
Proof of concept for a new sensor to monitor marine litter from space
Researchers analyzed 300,000 satellite images of the Mediterranean Sea to track floating marine litter over time, finding that heavy rainfall events drive most litter inputs from land while coastal currents and wind determine how it spreads. The study demonstrates that satellites can reliably map pollution hotspots and detect seasonal trends, making space-based monitoring a practical new tool for managing ocean plastic pollution.
Remote sensing and its applications using GNSS reflected signals: advances and prospects
Researchers reviewed how GPS and satellite navigation signals reflected off Earth's surface (GNSS-Reflectometry) can measure ocean conditions, soil moisture, ice thickness, and other environmental variables — and highlighted emerging uses including detecting microplastics on the ocean surface from space.
Designer SiO<sub>2</sub> Metasurfaces for Efficient Passive Radiative Cooling
This review examines how engineered silica surfaces can be designed for passive radiative cooling, which allows buildings to cool without using electricity. While not directly about microplastics, the technology is relevant because it addresses energy efficiency and reducing environmental pollution from cooling systems. The research evaluates different design strategies for making silica-based cooling materials that could be manufactured at scale.
Modulation of biofilm growth by shear and fluctuations in turbulent environments
Researchers investigated how water turbulence affects the growth of biofilms on microplastic surfaces, a process important for understanding how plastics behave in ocean environments. They found that biofilm growth is primarily driven by shear forces rather than turbulent fluctuations, with moderate shear promoting the thickest biofilm development. The findings matter because biofilms on microplastics increase their stickiness and tendency to sink, influencing where plastic pollution ultimately ends up in the ocean.
Plastic waste and microplastic issues in Southeast Asia
This review examines the plastic waste and microplastic crisis across Southeast Asia, a region that contributes significantly to global ocean plastic pollution. The authors found that inadequate waste collection, limited recycling infrastructure, and rapid economic growth are driving the problem. The study evaluates current waste management systems and proposes strategies for improving plastic waste reduction in these countries.
Nylons with Applications in Energy Generators, 3D Printing and Biomedicine
This review covers the broad range of applications for nylon polymers, from traditional uses like textiles and fishing nets to emerging roles in 3D printing, energy generation, and biomedical devices. Researchers highlight how nylon's mechanical strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance make it suitable for advanced technologies including piezoelectric energy harvesters and tissue engineering scaffolds. The study also notes environmental concerns around nylon microplastic pollution and the growing need for sustainable alternatives.
Competitive heavy metal adsorption on pinecone shells: Mathematical modelling of fixed-bed column and surface interaction insights
Researchers tested pinecone shells as a low-cost biosorbent for removing multiple heavy metals from water in a continuous-flow column setup. They found the material was particularly effective at capturing lead and copper, with adsorption capacities that compared favorably to other natural materials. The study provides mathematical models that could help scale up pinecone shell-based water treatment for real-world applications.
Cigarette butts as a microfiber source with a microplastic level of concern
Researchers investigated whether cigarette butts are a significant source of microfiber pollution by analyzing smoked and unsmoked filters. They found that cigarette filters release large quantities of cellulose acetate microfibers, with smoked filters releasing even more than unsmoked ones due to degradation during use. The study identifies discarded cigarette butts as an overlooked but substantial contributor to microplastic pollution in the environment.
Transport and accumulation of floating marine litter in the Black Sea: insights from numerical modeling
Researchers used numerical modeling to simulate how floating marine litter disperses and accumulates in the Black Sea, a semi-enclosed basin with slow water turnover. They found that major European rivers are significant sources of litter input, and that wind-driven wave action plays an important role in where debris concentrates. The study provides insights into predicting marine litter accumulation patterns that could help target cleanup and prevention efforts.
Characterization and Biomedical Applications of Electrospun PHBV Scaffolds Derived from Organic Residues
Researchers created nanofibrous scaffolds from a biodegradable plastic called PHBV, produced from organic waste materials like milk and molasses. They found that adjusting the polymer composition allowed them to tune the material's properties for specific biomedical applications, and the scaffolds showed good compatibility with living tissue, promising drug release characteristics, and antibacterial activity. The study demonstrates how organic waste can be converted into valuable biopolymers suitable for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Microplastics' emissions: Microfibers’ detachment from textile garments
Researchers measured microfiber detachment rates from finished textile garments during normal laundering and found that garments shed between 175 and 560 microfibers per gram of fabric, or 30,000 to 465,000 microfibers per square meter. They found a strong correlation between microfiber release and the textile's surface density. The study also provides standardized reporting units to improve comparability across research, an important step given the current lack of methodological consensus in textile microfiber studies.
Numerical modeling of the dispersion and accumulation of marine litter from the Dniester River in coastal areas of the northwestern Black Sea
Researchers used computer models to simulate how floating marine litter from the Dniester River spreads and accumulates along the northwestern Black Sea coast, finding that debris clusters near river mouths and certain coastal zones. The study also noted a correlation between satellite-detected suspended particles and microplastic presence, pointing toward new remote sensing tools for pollution tracking.
Assessing microplastic pollution along the Caribbean coast of La Guajira, Colombia
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution along 125 km of the Caribbean coast of La Guajira, Colombia. They found microplastics at four of seven beaches sampled, with filaments from fishing activities predominating and polymers primarily consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene.
Biomass valorization via pyrolysis in microalgae-based wastewater treatment: Challenges and opportunities for a circular bioeconomy
Researchers reviewed how microalgae grown in wastewater treatment systems can have their leftover biomass converted into useful products — biochar, bio-oil, and gas — through a heating process called pyrolysis. While promising for a circular economy, major challenges remain including high energy demands and potential harmful emissions that need to be addressed before the approach can be widely adopted.
Magnetite-Integrated Electrochemical Sensor for Efficient Detection of PET Microplastics in Water
Researchers developed a simple electrochemical sensor for detecting PET microplastics in water by modifying a screen-printed gold electrode with magnetite nanoparticles derived from mill scale waste. The sensor successfully detected PET in concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 500 mg/L with a detection limit of 3.6 mg/L. The study suggests this portable, cost-effective tool could serve as a practical monitoring method for PET microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Sub-micro- and nano-sized polyethylene terephthalate deconstruction with engineered protein nanopores
Researchers engineered protein nanopores — tiny molecular tunnels — capable of breaking down nano-sized PET plastic (a common plastic found in bottles and packaging) under mild conditions. While these nanoreactors cannot degrade large plastic pieces, they show promise for filtering and destroying nanoplastics in wastewater treatment, where conventional methods fall short.
The roles of carbonaceous wastes for catalysis, energy, and environmental remediation
This review examines how carbon materials derived from carbonaceous wastes can be used for energy generation and environmental cleanup applications. The study covers synthesis methods, doping strategies, and the physical and chemical properties of these materials, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives for catalysis, pollutant removal, and remediation of contaminated environments.
Challenges for Sustained Observing and Forecasting Systems in the Mediterranean Sea
This review described over 30 years of multinational coordination in Mediterranean Sea observing and forecasting, highlighting the integration of observation platforms, models, and operational services including the Copernicus Marine Service. The paper outlines ongoing challenges and future directions for sustained oceanographic monitoring across the Mediterranean.
GNSS-R Observations of Marine Plastic Litter in a Water Flume: An Experimental Study
Researchers conducted controlled water flume experiments to test GNSS-Reflectometry for detecting marine plastic litter, finding that while reflected power changes were unreliable, statistical analysis of short-integration-time reflectivity measurements could detect large accumulations of wave-dampening debris like nets and bags.
Forecasting technological disruptions in plastic waste management
Researchers explored current and emerging technologies disrupting plastic waste management from an operations perspective, reviewing incremental innovations and forecasting future disruptions. With global plastic production at 350 million tonnes/year and only 9.7% recycled in 2021, the study identifies technological gaps and economic constraints that must be addressed to meaningfully reduce plastic and microplastic pollution.
Forecasting technological disruptions in plastic waste management
Researchers explored current and emerging technologies disrupting plastic waste management from an operations perspective, reviewing incremental innovations and forecasting future disruptions. With global plastic production at 350 million tonnes/year and only 9.7% recycled in 2021, the study identifies technological gaps and economic constraints that must be addressed to meaningfully reduce plastic and microplastic pollution.