Papers

A mechanistic understanding of the effects of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo

Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to nanoplastics made from PET, the plastic commonly used in water bottles and food packaging. The nanoplastics accumulated in the liver, intestine, and kidneys, causing oxidative stress, damaging cell energy systems, and disrupting metabolism. This is the first comprehensive study of PET nanoplastic toxicity mechanisms, and it is particularly relevant because PET is one of the most common plastics that humans encounter daily.

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.

Biotransformation of nanoplastics in human plasma and their permeation through a model in vitro blood-brain barrier: An in-depth quantitative analysis

Researchers tracked how nanoplastics behave in human blood plasma and found they rapidly accumulate a coating of proteins and lipids (called a "biocorona"), which affects how they cross the blood-brain barrier — a protective membrane shielding the brain. PVC nanoplastics crossed the barrier more readily than polystyrene ones, and the protein coating actually reduced — but did not eliminate — their penetration into brain tissue.

The Effect of Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanoplastics on Amyloid-β Peptide Fibrillation

Lab experiments showed that PET nanoplastics, the type found in plastic bottles and clothing, accelerated the clumping of amyloid-beta proteins, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Smaller nanoplastics (50 nm) had a stronger effect than larger ones, cutting the time for protein clumping nearly in half. While this is a test-tube study, it raises the question of whether nanoplastics that reach the brain could potentially speed up the development of Alzheimer's-related protein buildup.

Toxicity of true-to-life microplastics to human iPSC-derived intestinal epithelia correlates to their protein corona composition

Using a human intestinal cell model, researchers showed that real-world microplastics from common products (like PET bottles and PVC) damaged the gut lining, increased harmful reactive oxygen species, and triggered inflammatory immune responses. Importantly, the standard polystyrene microplastics commonly used in lab studies did not cause these effects, suggesting that most research may be underestimating the true danger of microplastics. The type of protein coating that forms on each plastic's surface in the body determines how toxic it is to the gut.

Microbial enzymes for the recycling of recalcitrant petroleum‐based plastics: how far are we?

This review examines the progress in identifying microbial enzymes capable of breaking down petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, and PET. Researchers highlight recent advances in using polyester-degrading enzymes to recover raw materials from PET waste through biocatalytic recycling. The study discusses the potential and remaining challenges of using biological approaches to address the growing global problem of plastic waste accumulation.

The potential effects of in vitro digestion on the physicochemical and biological characteristics of polystyrene nanoplastics

Researchers studied how the human digestive process changes the physical and biological properties of polystyrene nanoplastics. They found that digestive fluids altered the surface characteristics of the particles, potentially affecting how they interact with gut cells. The study suggests that the form of nanoplastics that actually reaches our intestines may behave differently than the pristine particles typically used in lab studies.

Using a citizen science approach to assess nanoplastics pollution in remote high-altitude glaciers

Using trained mountaineers to collect glacier samples and a high-sensitivity detection method, researchers found nanoplastic pollution at concentrations of 2 to 80 nanograms per liter in remote high-altitude glaciers. The presence of common plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and tire wear particles at these isolated locations confirms that nanoplastics travel through the atmosphere and contaminate even Earth's most remote environments.

Degradable film mulching increases soil carbon sequestration in major Chinese dryland agroecosystems

Researchers compared biodegradable and conventional plastic film mulches used in farming and found that biodegradable films increased carbon storage in soil while traditional plastic mulch reduced it, suggesting that switching to biodegradable alternatives could help fight climate change while cutting plastic pollution.

An integrated approach to assess exposure and early health effects in human populations exposed to micro- and nanoplastics

This paper outlines a proposed framework for systematically assessing human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics and their early health effects, noting that current estimates are hindered by a lack of standardized detection methods. Researchers emphasize that occupational settings where plastics are processed, as well as vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women, should be prioritized for study. The study calls for validated biomarkers and standardized protocols to better understand the real-world health consequences of human microplastic exposure.

Degradation of PET plastic with engineered environmental bacteria

Scientists engineered a soil bacterium to break down PET plastic, one of the most common plastics in food packaging and textiles, by giving it the ability to produce and secrete a powerful plastic-degrading enzyme. This is one of the first demonstrations of a living microorganism that can directly consume PET as a food source, which could lead to more sustainable recycling approaches.

Monitoring Water Diversity and Water Quality with Remote Sensing and Traits

This study defines five characteristics of water diversity and quality that can be monitored using remote sensing technology, from local waterbodies to continental scales. Researchers demonstrate how satellite and aerial sensing methods can track changes in water traits, structure, and biological communities more efficiently than traditional in-person sampling. The approach is particularly relevant for detecting pollution impacts, including emerging contaminants, across large and dynamic aquatic ecosystems.

An Integrated Metabolomics-Based Model, and Identification of Potential Biomarkers, of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos

Researchers used advanced metabolomics techniques to study how the industrial chemical PFOS affects zebrafish embryo development at the molecular level. They identified specific metabolic disruptions and potential biomarkers that could indicate early PFOS exposure. The study provides new insights into how persistent environmental pollutants like PFAS interfere with biological processes during critical developmental stages.

Enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics analyzed in real time by isothermal titration calorimetry

Researchers used isothermal titration calorimetry to monitor the enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics in real time. They demonstrated that engineered enzymes can effectively break down PET nanoparticles and measured the thermodynamic parameters of the degradation process. The study suggests that enzymatic approaches could be a viable strategy for addressing nanoplastic pollution, offering a potential biotechnological solution for plastic waste remediation.

Occupational Exposure to Elevated Levels of Inhalable Microplastics in Plastic and Fiber Factory Workers

Researchers measured inhalable microplastic exposure levels among workers in plastic and fiber factories, finding elevated concentrations of particles small enough to penetrate biological membranes and accumulate in tissues. The fraction of microplastics below 20 micrometers is of particular concern because these particles can induce inflammation and cellular damage. The study highlights that occupational settings in the plastics industry may represent a significant route of human microplastic exposure through inhalation.

Enhanced removal of microplastics using microflotation

Researchers demonstrated that microflotation, a process using optimized small bubble sizes, can remove 84-98% of microplastics from water without requiring chemical additives like flocculants or coagulants. Using a pilot-scale system, they tested removal of 30 and 100 micrometer polystyrene particles across environmentally relevant concentrations. The study suggests that microflotation offers an efficient and chemical-free alternative for microplastic removal in water treatment applications.

Research into land atmosphere interactions supports the sustainable development agenda

This paper outlines priority research directions for the integrated Land Ecosystems Atmospheric Processes Study network, focusing on how land-atmosphere interactions support sustainable development goals. Researchers emphasize the importance of land-based strategies like tree planting and bioenergy crops to address climate change and biodiversity loss. The study highlights how understanding these interactions can inform policies related to environmental quality, including the transport of airborne pollutants.

Degradation of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastic and Its Contribution to Soil Organic Carbon Stock

Researchers used stable isotope tracing to show that biodegradable PBSA plastic decomposition in soil triggered a strong priming effect, increasing soil organic matter breakdown by over 100%, even though only 4-5% of the plastic itself was mineralized over 80 days.

Analysis of microbial populations in plastic–soil systems after exposure to high poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) load using high-resolution molecular technique

Researchers examined how high concentrations of the biodegradable plastic PBSA affect soil microbial communities, finding that PBSA exposure significantly altered microbial diversity and community composition, with certain bacteria enriched as potential plastic degraders.

Plastics and Human Health: How Perception of Human Health Risks Can Reduce Plastics Consumption?

Comminution method and oxidative aging modulate the impact of tyre wear microplastics on the reproduction of the nematode C. elegans

Researchers tested how different preparation methods and artificial UV weathering affect the toxicity of tyre wear microplastics to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. They found that oxidative aging significantly increased MP toxicity to nematode reproduction, with particle preparation method also influencing outcomes.

Mineral water from PET bottles or glass bottles? Or better drink tap water?

This German-language educational article presents a station-based learning activity comparing water from PET bottles, glass bottles, and tap water, incorporating sustainability concepts including plastic pollution and microplastic contamination into science education.

61 Evaluation of the Toxicity, Alveolar Cell Accumulation and Clearance of PET and PS Nanoplastics in Mouse Lungs

Pharyngeal aspiration of PET and polystyrene nanoplastics in mice triggered immune cell infiltration in lungs, with 50 nm PS nanoplastics causing significantly greater neutrophil recruitment at day 1 and eosinophil recruitment at day 7 compared to 200 nm particles or PET, highlighting size-dependent pulmonary toxicity.

Influence of Microplastics on Microbial Structure, Function, and Mechanical Properties of Stream Periphyton

This review explores how microplastics interact with heavy metals in aquatic environments, acting as vectors that can adsorb and transport toxic metals through ecosystems. The combined toxicity of microplastic-metal complexes poses greater risks to aquatic organisms than either contaminant alone.