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Papers
109 resultsShowing papers from University of Hull
ClearMicroplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR
Scientists analyzed blood from 20 healthy volunteers and found microplastics in 90% of samples, identifying 24 different plastic types including many reported for the first time in blood. The particles were mostly small fragments averaging about 128 micrometers long, and the study also detected hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates attached to the plastics. This adds to growing evidence that a wide variety of plastic particles are circulating in human blood.
Microplastic contamination of drinking water: A systematic review
This systematic review is one of the first to comprehensively assess microplastic contamination in drinking water and estimate how much people are exposed to. The researchers recommend adopting the precautionary principle to address potential health concerns, emphasizing that more standardized research is urgently needed to understand the risks of consuming microplastics in tap and bottled water.
Microplastics in human urine: Characterisation using μFTIR and sampling challenges using healthy donors and endometriosis participants
Researchers analyzed urine samples from healthy individuals and endometriosis patients, detecting microplastics in the majority of both groups, with 22 different polymer types found. While microplastic levels were not significantly different between the two groups, the finding that plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and PTFE are being excreted in human urine confirms that these particles are circulating through the body.
Microplastic Contamination of Seafood Intended for Human Consumption: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis is the first to systematically quantify microplastic contamination in seafood sold for human consumption. The findings confirm that people are regularly ingesting microplastics through seafood, underscoring the need for action to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and better understand the health effects of this exposure.
Detection of microplastics in human saphenous vein tissue using μFTIR: A pilot study
In this pilot study, researchers detected microplastics in human vein tissue for the first time, finding an average of about 15 particles per gram in saphenous vein samples from surgical patients. Five different types of plastic polymers were identified, with alkyd resin being the most common. While the sample size was small, the study adds to growing evidence that microplastics are accumulating in human cardiovascular tissue, not just in the blood.
Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy
Researchers analyzed lung tissue from 13 people and found microplastics in 11 of the samples, identifying 12 different plastic types including polypropylene and polyester. The particles were found in all regions of the lungs, with significantly higher concentrations in the lower lung. This is one of the first studies to directly confirm that microplastics from everyday environments can be inhaled and accumulate deep in human lung tissue.
Sandy beach social–ecological systems at risk: regime shifts, collapses, and governance challenges
Researchers examined how sandy beach ecosystems worldwide are being threatened by expanding coastal development, climate change, and pollution including plastic waste. They found that these combined pressures can push beach systems past tipping points, leading to rapid ecological collapses that are difficult to reverse. The study highlights the need for integrated governance approaches that consider beaches as interconnected social and ecological systems rather than just recreational spaces.
Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined microplastic contamination in table salt from around the world. It found that microplastics are present in most salt products intended for human consumption, with sea salt generally containing more particles than rock or lake salt, representing a consistent source of dietary microplastic exposure.
Detection of plastic, cellulosic micro-fragments and microfibers in Laternula elliptica from King George Island (Maritime Antarctica)
Researchers found plastic and cellulose microfibers in every single clam sampled near research stations in Antarctica, with an average of 43 particles per individual. The plastic types identified included PET, acrylic, and polyethylene, likely originating from research station wastewater, fishing gear, and tourism. The finding that microplastic contamination has reached even remote Antarctic marine organisms underscores how pervasive this pollution has become worldwide.
A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells
Researchers conducted a systematic review and statistical analysis of studies examining the effects of microplastic exposure on human cells in the laboratory. They found evidence that microplastics can cause cell damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, with smaller particles and higher doses generally producing stronger effects. The study provides the first pooled estimate of dose-response thresholds for microplastic toxicity in human cells, helping to frame the potential health risks of daily exposure.
Using mussel as a global bioindicator of coastal microplastic pollution
This review evaluates whether mussels can serve as reliable global indicators of coastal microplastic pollution. Researchers found that mussels are well suited for this role due to their wide geographic distribution, filter-feeding behavior, and demonstrated ability to accumulate microplastics from surrounding waters. The study identifies remaining challenges in standardizing monitoring methods but concludes that mussels offer a practical and ecologically relevant tool for tracking marine microplastic contamination.
Microplastics in mussels sampled from coastal waters and supermarkets in the United Kingdom
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in mussels from U.K. coastal waters and supermarkets and found anthropogenic debris in every sample tested. Wild mussels contained up to 2.9 debris items per gram of tissue, while supermarket mussels showed lower but still consistent contamination levels. The study confirms that microplastics are prevalent in commercially available shellfish, representing a direct pathway for human dietary exposure.
Automatic pre-screening of outdoor airborne microplastics in micrographs using deep learning
Researchers developed a deep learning system to automatically identify potential microplastic particles in microscope images of outdoor air samples. The system was trained specifically for the challenges of airborne microplastics, which appear differently than those found in water. The tool could significantly speed up air quality monitoring by reducing the time-consuming manual screening process currently required.
Microplastics in cardiopulmonary bypass: quantification and characterization of particles across systems
Researchers measured microplastic contamination generated by cardiopulmonary bypass machines used during heart surgery and found significant levels of plastic particles across the systems tested. The study characterized the types and quantities of microplastics produced during machine operation. The findings raise questions about patient exposure to microplastics during cardiac procedures and highlight the need for further research into whether these particles have clinical significance.
Microbes and us: microbiology literacy in Greece
Researchers surveyed over 670 people in Greece to assess public understanding of microbes and microbiology. They found that many respondents primarily associated microbes with disease and danger, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that improving microbiology literacy could help the public better appreciate the beneficial roles that microorganisms play in health and the environment.
Hydrogen production from plastic waste: A comprehensive simulation and machine learning study
Researchers used computer simulations and machine learning to optimize hydrogen production from polystyrene and polypropylene plastic waste through gasification. They found that increasing the gasification temperature up to 900 degrees Celsius significantly boosted hydrogen output, while higher pressures reduced production. The study demonstrates that converting plastic waste into hydrogen fuel could be an efficient way to address both energy needs and plastic pollution.
Non-buoyant microplastic settling velocity varies with biofilm growth and ambient water salinity
Researchers investigated how biofilms (thin layers of bacteria that grow on plastic surfaces), water salinity, and suspended clay affect how fast microplastics sink in water, finding that biofilm growth alone increased sinking speed by up to 130% within just hours. These findings show that current models predicting where microplastics end up in rivers and oceans are too simplistic, and that biological and chemical conditions must be factored in for accurate predictions.
The transport and vertical distribution of microplastics in the Mekong River, SE Asia
Researchers measured microplastic levels throughout the water column of the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam, finding concentrations increased significantly from rural to urban areas. Most microplastics were fibers, predominantly polyester, and 86% were transported within the water column rather than at the surface. The study reveals that surface-only sampling methods substantially underestimate actual microplastic levels in major rivers.
A preliminary analysis of microplastics in edible versus non-edible tissues from seafood samples.
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in commercially important fish and shellfish species, comparing levels in edible versus non-edible tissues. The study found microplastics present across multiple species and tissue types, providing preliminary evidence that the edible portions of seafood may contain microplastic particles, which has implications for understanding human dietary exposure.
Towards a Just Circular Economy Transition: the Case of European Plastic Waste Trade to Vietnam for Recycling
Researchers examined how half of Europe's collected plastic waste is shipped to countries like Vietnam for recycling without adequate oversight, arguing that this practice shifts environmental and health burdens to lower-income nations and calling for a justice-focused global framework to govern plastic waste trade.
Spatial and seasonal variation in diversity and structure of microbial biofilms on marine plastics in Northern European waters
Researchers investigated how microbial biofilm communities on marine plastics vary by season, location, and plastic type in Northern European waters. The study found distinct spatial and seasonal patterns in plastisphere microbial communities on polyethylene terephthalate surfaces, providing insights into how plastic debris develops unique biological communities in marine environments.
Exposure to Plasticiser DEHP Affects Eggs Spawned by Blue Mussels: A Possible Risk to Fertilisation?
Researchers exposed blue mussels to the plasticizer DEHP, a chemical commonly found in plastic products and marine waters, and examined its effects on egg production during spawning. They found that even at environmentally relevant concentrations, DEHP exposure reduced the number of eggs spawned by female mussels. The study suggests that widespread plasticizer contamination in ocean waters could pose a risk to the reproductive success of filter-feeding marine organisms.
Where are we? Towards an understanding of the selective accumulation of microplastics in mussels
This review synthesizes published research on how mussels selectively accumulate microplastics, examining what factors such as particle size, shape, polymer type, and environmental conditions influence which plastics end up in mussel tissue versus being rejected. The study aims to improve the use of mussels as bioindicator species for monitoring marine microplastic pollution by identifying key variables that affect accumulation patterns.
Outdoor Atmospheric Microplastics within the Humber Region (United Kingdom): Quantification and Chemical Characterisation of Deposited Particles Present
Researchers measured atmospheric microplastic deposition at an urban site in the Humber region of the United Kingdom over 13 months. They found a mean deposition rate of approximately 3,055 particles per square meter per day, predominantly polyethylene and nylon film-shaped particles, with no clear relationship between rainfall and deposition levels. The study also characterized microplastics across five urbanized locations, finding petroleum resin particles more prevalent in industrial and roadside zones.